Fire brigade finally leaves Melb factory

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade has finally left the scene of a chemical-fuelled factory fire in Melbourne's west that began in late August and burned for more than four days.

The brigade issued a statement on Saturday, stating the West Footscray site was handed back to its owner at 6pm on Friday night, with all fire personnel having departed.

The City of Maribyrnong will now work with the owner toward the recovery phase following the fire, which led to much of Melbourne being covered under thick plumes of toxic smoke emanating from the asbestos-riddled factory.