Circa 1971, one misty morning I was tower controller at Richmond. "Guard" [243.0] bursts into life "Xray Delta Mike [P-2 Neptune callsign] is on fire and we're abandoning the aircraft!" Now where is the aircraft? When the Guard call was acknowledged - no reply! Sydney ATC heard the call now we're looking for the aircraft as no one had any details on XDM...
A fireman comes up on Richmond Ground. "it's OK tower the fire is out?????"
It was then realised that the Neptune had a small fire on engine start and was parked next to the Tower!! Lots of people in green flight suits standing around the aircraft!! Next time gives us position please!!
Many beers that night..