FRV contains Essendon office fire

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a structure fire at 6.48am on Mt Alexander Road, Essendon after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported an office fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find fire involving a number of office spaces on the top floor of a three-storey building, and the response was escalated.

The premises was an 80m by 40m brick structure.

Crews utilised aerial appliances to assist in knocking down the fire from above, and firefighters wore breathing apparatus to conduct an internal attack and search for occupants.

One occupant had self-evacuated and was treated at the scene by Ambulance Victoria for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters are expected to remain on scene for some time to continue searching the property and fully extinguish the blaze.

The fire was deemed Under Control at 7.40am and it was contained to the top floor of the premises.

A community warning was issued, urging residents to avoid the area due to smoke.

The incident was being treated as suspicious and Victoria Police were on scene.

The power, gas, and water companies, as well as the EPA, were notified.