Vic govt review of recycling factory fire

A Melbourne recycling factory fire that burned for 11 days and spewed toxic smoke over surrounding neighbourhoods will be officially reviewed.

The SKM Recycling plant in Coolaroo caught fire on July 13 and its owner is the subject of a class action by residents forced to leave their homes.

Some residents were hospitalised because of the smoke.

Emergency Services Minister James Merlino on Tuesday announced a review into the fire alongside a similar review by Emergency Management Victoria.

The factory, owned by the US-based SKM Industries, was due to be inspected over its fire management practices the day it ignited for the fourth time this year.

"The Coolaroo fire had a significant impact on the local community and the review will ensure we know exactly what worked, what didn't and what can be improved," Mr Merlino said in a statement.

The review will be conducted by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management and report back to the government before the end of the year.

Mr Merlino said the review would make sure lessons from a previous inquiry into the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire weren't being ignored.

Residents around the Coolaroo fire last month claimed SKM was negligent because it knew there was a fire risk and should have done more to protect surrounding neighbourhoods.