Firefighters battle Preston apartment fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to an incident in Oakover Road, Preston at 7.19pm after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a building fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find a 10 x 30 metre, brick, two-storey structure with the top floor well alight. The building included an apartment on the top floor with a gymnasium on the ground floor.

Crews, wearing breathing apparatus worked swiftly to contain the fire to the top floor apartment and roof space. Damage has been extensive.

A four-storey complex next door to the fire was evacuated.The complex contained 43 apartments.

A community advice was issued for a building fire and smoke in the area.

This incident was deemed Under Control at 8.03pm.

Crews conducted air monitoring around the apartment complex prior to residents being allowed to return by 8.35pm.

The cause of the fire was deemed accidental.

A total of 12 appliances and 30 firefighters were committed to the firefight.

Victoria Police attended to assist with evacuations, crowd and traffic control.

Ambulance Victoria was on scene to monitor firefighter and public health.

ENDS