Firefighters battle Caulfield North gym fire

At 5.06AM, Fire Rescue Victoria was called to a fire at a gym on Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North. 

Firefighters arrived within six minutes to find the 80m x 30m brick structure well alight. 

With neighbouring buildings at risk, crews acted quickly to safely evacuate 31 people from a nearby residential property and a restaurant. 

An aggressive attack meant firefighters were able to contain the fire to two storeys of the building. 

The scene was declared under control at 6.59AM. 

A Community Advice notice has been issued for smoke in the area.