FRV tackles Hawthorn building fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a structure fire after multiple callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a building fire at Auburn Road at Hawthorn.

Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find a triple storey brick building fully alight.

Due to intense flames and issues accessing the building, firefighters were unable to enter the structure for an extended period to search the premises.

Aerial firefighting appliances were called on to assist in fighting the blaze in a strip with retail shops on the ground level, and residential premises upstairs.

Three retail premises were damaged in the fire, which also extended into the top floor of the building.

Firefighters brought the fire Under Control at 6.32pm, 46 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

The building has sustained significant damage.

No persons were in the building at the time of the fire.

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

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

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria assisted FRV on scene.