Collingwood building fire to be investigated

At approximately 3.16am, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews responded to several calls of a building fire at Sackville Street,
Collingwood.

Crews arrived on scene within six minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from the building, and the response was escalated.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus and began attacking the fire as well as preventing any further fire spreading to neighbouring properties.

Squatters are believed to have occupied the building, and a search was undertaken.

One occupant was safely evacuated and will be assessed by AV.

The fire was deemed under control by 4.34am and the building was heavily smoke logged.

The incident response involved approximately 30 firefighters, five pumper appliances, one aerial unit, one rescue appliance and three other appliances.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be investigated by FRV specialists in conjunction with the Victoria Police arson squad.

Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.