Firefighters battle house fire in Essendon

At 2.50PM Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to an incident in Hoddle St, Essendon after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

FRV crews arrived on scene 2.59PM to find smoke and flames issuing from the roof of a single storey brick home.

The response was escalated as firefighters donned breathing apparatus and with charged hose lines attacked the fire externally due to concerns over the stability of the structure.

One occupant was able to evacuate safely without injury. Neighbours on both sides of the home were evacuated due to fire and smoke threatening their homes.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The fire was declared under control at 3:38pm, 39 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

The home has been destroyed in the blaze.

A community advice message was issued due to 'Heavy smoke in the area'.

FRV crews remain on scene to fully extinguishing the fire.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined but has been deemed as suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police.