Carrier fire expected to burn into night

A man remains in a critical condition in a WA hospital as fire on the world's largest purpose-built livestock carrier burns into the night.

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The Ocean Drover livestock carrier ship on fire in Fremantle Port, Western Australia (Supplied).

A crewman remains in a critical condition in hospital as firefighters prepare to continue into the night their battle of a blaze aboard the world's largest purpose-built livestock carrier.

The fire broke out in the accommodation area of Wellard's Ocean Drover just before 8am at Fremantle Port.

All crew members have been evacuated and there are no livestock on board, the company said.

A spokesman for St John Ambulance said a man in his 40s was rushed to Fremantle Hospital at 8.30am with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

He remains in a critical condition.

Two other people have been taken to hospital in a stable condition, with one of them expected to be released on Thursday afternoon.

The spokesman said the remaining crew were assessed at the scene and didn't need to go to hospital.

Wellard said the fire started in the carrier's accommodation.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said 53 firefighters and 40 support workers were on scene.

She said the fire had been contained to the bridge and accommodation quarters on the two upper decks, but not brought under control.

It is expected the fire will continue to burn for at least another four hours.

People are advised to stay away from the Fremantle Port area and those working nearby should shelter inside and close all doors and windows.

Those driving in the North Mole area, including on Tydeman and Port Beach roads, are advised to close their windows and put their air-conditioning systems on recycle.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the incident.

The nine-deck vessel, which is capable of transporting 75,000 sheep or 18,000 cattle, was preparing to load cattle for transport to Indonesia early next week.


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