COLLINGWOOD, VIC. — At approximately 10.30pm, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters responded to Johnston Street, Collingwood, following calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting a building fire.
Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find the two-storey former Astral Theatre well alight, with significant smoke and flames issuing from the building.
FRV escalated the response to a second alarm (2A) deploying additional appliances and firefighters to attack the fire.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to contain the blaze, successfully preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
The fire was deemed under control at 11.50pm, however the building sustained significant damage.
The incident has been deemed suspicious.
It will be investigated by Victoria Police.
