FRV responds to Richmond apartment fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews responded to multiple calls for a fire in a three-storey apartment block at Duke Street in Richmond at 1.40am.

Crews arrived on scene to find a 5m by 8m apartment on the middle storey of the 28-unit apartment block fully involved in fire, so the response was escalated.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus, established hose lines and began attacking the fire, preventing any fire spread.

Adjoining apartments were searched and all occupants accounted for.

The fire was deemed Under Control by 2.25am.

The power and gas companies attended to isolate services.

The cause of the blaze has been deemed suspicious, and the scene will be handed to Victoria Police.

Ambulance and Victoria Police assisted FRV with operations.

Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

There were 30 firefighters involved in the incident response, five pumper trucks, one aerial appliance, one rescue unit and two other units.