FRV responds to Lonsdale Street building fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a building fire in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, shortly before 3am this morning.

Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes to find heavy smoke issuing from the four-storey concrete building.

Crews in breathing apparatus entered the building and attacked the fire in the basement housing a bar.

Firefighters searched the structure above, housing some restaurants and office spaces, with no persons found to be inside.

The fire was brought under control at 03.38am, 42 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

The bar has been extensively damaged in the blaze.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the floors above, but the building has been smoke logged.

The response involved five pumpers, one aerial appliance, one rescue unit and two other units.

A total of 29 firefighters were on scene.

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

FRV will remain on scene for several hours fully extinguishing the fire.