Fire extinguished in paper shredder at French Embassy

ACT Fire & Rescue has extinguished a small fire in a paper shredder at the French Embassy, Perth Avenue, Yarralumla.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire from paper in the industrial shredder on the ground floor and are now conducting ventilation operations at the Embassy.

Approximately 50 people have been evacuated as a precaution.

ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedics are treating seven patients for mild smoke inhalation.

The Embassy received minor smoke damage to the two storey building with minimal fire damage.

Time of Emergency Triple Zero (000) call 11.19am.

Three fire pumpers on scene with the specialist Hazardous Materials Unit, the Breathing Apparatus Van, the Bronto Skylift Hydraulic Platform and two Commander officers.