The aluminium plant in the Gold Coast’s eastern suburbs has been closed after a fire, but officials say there are no reports of injuries.

Key points:The aluminium plant on the Gold and Silver Coast had been closed due to a fire at its aluminium smelter on Friday afternoonResidents said the fire caused panic among locals, with some fearing they had been affected by a flu pandemic Aluminium smelters produce aluminium for use in mobile phones, tablets and other devices.

The fire was caused by a heat wave caused by heavy rains on the state’s west coast, which led to unusually dry conditions.

The Gold Coast Fire Brigade said there were no reports that residents had been impacted by the fire.

The fire started on Friday evening at the site of a processing plant owned by aluminium company Aluminium Group, which processes aluminium for mobile phones and other mobile devices.

“We’re aware of a fire occurring at the facility in the area,” Fire and Rescue Queensland (FRQ) chief executive Peter Rimmer said.

“[The fire] was reported to the fire brigade this morning and they’ve got a crew in the field.”

There are no reported injuries, but we’re aware there are some concerns for residents who are affected.

“Firefighters are currently working to contain the blaze, which is expected to be contained to the site by the end of the week.

Residents have been evacuated from the area, but many remain inside.

Aluminium smelt plant fire: The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ website shows aluminium production at the plant rose from 1.9 million tonnes in 2011 to 1.93 million tonnes last year.

However, the plant produces only about 1.3 million tonnes a year, compared with about 1 million tonnes for other industries.

According to the ASX, Australia’s largest trading partner, aluminium production increased by 2.3 per cent in 2016.

Mr Rimmer says the plant is “under-capitalised” compared to other aluminium smelt plants in Queensland.

He says it is “very difficult” to secure finance from aluminium producers.

‘Aluminium was a national industry’In December last year, Mr Rimmer announced he was quitting his role as a senior manager in the fire service after a three-year term.

A senior adviser to Mr Rimmers told the ABC the resignation was “based on personal circumstances”.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was “deeply disappointed” with Mr Rimming’s resignation.

I will always be proud to have worked with Aluminium. “

I have had the honour of working with some of the world’s most brilliant men and women in manufacturing and design over the past two decades, and I know they are all proud of the contributions they have made to our industry and our community.”

I will always be proud to have worked with Aluminium.

I am proud to be a part of the company for over a decade.

“Topics:aluminium-industry,environment,environmental-impact,safety,government-and-politics,fire,qld,brisbane-4000,brisbanons-4870,flinders-4700,perth-6000More stories from Queensland