Firefighters prevent Pascoe Vale shop fire from spreading to apartment building

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident in Gaffney Street, Pascoe Vale last night at 4.27am after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a building fire.

Crews arrived on scene within five minutes to find a car had penetrated the front of a single storey brick shop, with flames issuing from the building.

Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters worked quickly to attack the fire with hose lines. Crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbouring apartment building.

A search of the premises confirmed there was no one inside. Residents from the neighbouring apartment building were evacuated as a precaution.

There were no injuries reported.

The fire was deemed Under Control at 4:41am.

A total of eight appliances and 25 firefighters attended the incident, while power and gas companies were also on scene.

The shop has been extensively damaged by the car and subsequent fire. The council was notified and a building inspector requested.

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