FRV crews battle Essendon blaze

At 2.42am, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to Fitzgerald Road, Essendon, after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from the roof of a single storey house.

FRV crews wearing breathing apparatus established hose lines and began attacking the blaze, preventing any fire spread to adjoining properties. When it was safe to do so, firefighters conducted a primary search of the property finding no occupants inside.

Firefighters contained the blaze to the rear of the house, bringing the incident under control at 3.25am.

The incident has been deemed suspicious and handed to Police for investigation. Power and gas companies were on scene to isolate services, and a building surveyor has been requested to attend to assess integrity of structure.

FRV Firefighters will remain on scene for some time to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and the scene is safe.