Firefighters responded to reports of an apartment fire in Poplar Grove, Carnegie this morning following multiple calls to triple-zero at 4.07am.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews arrived on scene within seven minutes to find an apartment fully involved in fire on the first floor of a two-storey brick block of flats.
Crews, wearing breathing apparatus, worked swiftly to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring units, although the unit was extensively damaged.
A man in his 60s jumped about five metres from the window to escape the blaze and suffered leg injuries and smoke inhalation. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
Approximately 40 people were safely evacuated the two-storey brick apartment building.
The incident was deemed under control at 4.57am.
Victoria Police was on scene to support FRV operations.
The council was notified, and a building inspector is currently attending the scene.
Residents may not be able to access their apartments for several days while a damage assessment is undertaken.
Nine appliances and 26 firefighters responded to the fire.
FRV Specialist Fire Investigators are in attendance to determine the cause of the fire.
