FRV crews contain major fire at former Collingwood theatre

At approximately 10.30pm, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to Johnston Street, Collingwood, following calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting a building fire.

Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find a two-storey former theatre well alight, with significant smoke and flames issuing from the building.

FRV escalated the response, deploying additional appliances and firefighters to attack the fire.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to contain the blaze, successfully preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The fire was deemed under control at 11.50pm, however the building has sustained significant damage.

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

Firefighters remain on scene to fully extinguish the fire.

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

Ambulance Victoria are also on scene.