The Campbellfield factory a day after it was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters are calling for emergency laws to jail, fine and sue operators responsible for illegally stockpiling toxic chemical waste that causes industrial fires, warning that dump sites are “death traps” for emergency services personnel.

The call from the United Firefighters Union comes as firefighters report falling ill after battling huge industrial blazes in Campbellfield this month and West Footscray in 2018 that have been linked to massive illegal waste dumping operations.

Firefighters who were at both scenes have suffered lung infections, nosebleeds, rashes and memory loss after exposure to the highly toxic smoke and debris produced by the burning of solvents, paints, inks and other unknown chemicals.

The fires burned for days, forcing the closure of schools, businesses and creating widespread contamination in local waterways.