Emergency services rushed to the Waurn Ponds Homemaker Centre on Colac Road in Geelong after reports of a suspected chemical leak or gas smell inside a Harris Scarfe store triggered a large emergency response.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews were called to the shopping precinct at approximately 4:35 pm following multiple triple-0 calls from people reporting a strong gas-like odour inside the store. As a precaution, customers and staff were evacuated while emergency crews began investigating the source of the suspected leak.
Firefighters entered the building wearing breathing apparatus to safely inspect the premises and determine whether hazardous gases or chemicals were present. Three fire trucks, police units and an Ambulance Victoria crew attended the scene, with emergency personnel establishing a safety zone around the affected store.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria, crews focused on locating the source of the suspected leak while ensuring the building was safe before allowing people to return. Authorities initially treated the incident as a potential hazardous materials response because of reports that several people experienced irritation after being inside the store.
Witnesses at the shopping centre described customers leaving the building with watery eyes and dry throats, prompting concern that airborne fumes may have been present. Nearby workers reported that several Harris Scarfe employees and staff from neighbouring businesses also experienced mild symptoms during the incident.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics assessed a number of people at the scene. Fortunately, no patients required emergency medical treatment or transport by ambulance. Firefighters also received reports that one person had independently attended hospital as a precaution before emergency services arrived.
The Waurn Ponds Homemaker Centre is one of Geelong's busiest retail precincts, containing several major retailers and attracting significant numbers of shoppers each day. The evacuation temporarily disrupted businesses across the centre while emergency crews conducted their investigation.
By around 6:00 pm, emergency authorities determined it was safe for most workers and businesses within the shopping strip to resume normal operations. However, firefighters remained inside the Harris Scarfe store to continue investigating the source of the reported fumes and complete safety checks before the incident was fully resolved.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the suspected chemical leak, and investigations remain ongoing. Fire Rescue Victoria said identifying the source of the odour is an important part of ensuring the incident does not recur and that the premises remain safe for employees and customers.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency evacuation procedures in busy retail environments. Quick action by staff, emergency services and shoppers helped ensure the situation was managed safely, with no serious injuries reported despite the significant emergency response.
