FRV tackles Essendon building fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to reports of smoke issuing from the roof of a building in Buckley Street at Essendon shortly after 5am.

Firefighters arrived within 7 minutes to find smoke issuing from the roof of a ground floor restaurant in a double storey building.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building and were able to locate and extinguish a fire in the kitchen of the restaurant.

It was discovered the fire had spread through a rangehood into the second floor of the building housing office spaces.

With the fire intensifying in the roof space of the building, an additional aerial firefighting appliance was responded.

Due to the amount of smoke issuing from the fire, FRV initially advised residents of a neighbouring 6 storey apartment building to shelter in place.

As the threat of fire spread was increasing, it was decided to evacuate the building of approximately 100 residents to ensure their safety.

No injuries have been reported.

The fire was declared under control at 06.32am, 1 hour and 20 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be investigated.