Firefighters battle Abbotsford building fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews responded to multiple reports of a building fire in Johnston St, Abbotsford at 12.43pm.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within six minutes to find a 25 metre by 10 metre brick building fully ablaze and escalated their response.

Firefighters used multiple hoselines in an aggressive external attack to bring the fire under control.

The building was reported to be frequented by squatters.

Once safe to enter, firefighters searched the premises and confirmed no persons were inside.

The fire was declared under control at 1:00pm, 18 minutes after crews arrived on scene.

The building has sustained significant damage.

The fire has been deemed as suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police.

A City of Yarra Building Inspector will assess the safety of the structure.