An intense blaze shut down Fyshwick and caused traffic gridlock across a swath of Canberra as hundreds of workers were evacuated from nearby businesses and thousands of others caught up in the widespread disruption.
Firefighters fought the blaze at a scrap metal yard for more than two hours before it was brought under control.
Streets were closed for three hours, with plumes of black smoke from the fire visible across Canberra.
Businesses in Gladstone, Pirie and Newcastle streets were evacuated, including The Canberra Times.
Superintendent Greg Mason from the ACT Fire Brigade said two helicopters brought in to assist with the firefighting effort had to be called off and firefighters pulled back after explosions sent debris hundreds of metres into the air.
''They were a significant risk initially, we weren't sure what was exploding,'' he said.
He said despite the fierce fire and explosions, workers in the area were not in immediate danger.
''Those evacuated from premises located adjacent to the fire weren't in any immediate danger. There were some workers working in the area who self-evacuated very quickly.''
Firefighters prevented the fire from threatening a nearby ActewAGL gas plant and gas pipeline.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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