Massive mansion destroyed by fire in affluent Melbourne suburb

News.com.au

15 hours ago

A two-storey mansion in an prestigious suburb of Melbourne's east has gone up in flames in the early hours of Friday morning.
Fire Rescue Victoria was called to the large property on the corner of St Georges Rd and Ultimo CT in Toorak about 12.20am Friday after the home was engulfed in flames.
Emergency services were on the scene within five minutes to extinguish the fire, which had overwhelmed both storeys of the mansion.
Smoke billowed from the roof and flames grew so high they were visible from neighbouring properties.
Smoke was so thick crews were forced to wear breathing apparatus, but managed to stop the fire spreading to adjoining properties.
No one was injured in the fire.
'There were no occupants home at the time of the fire as it appears the house is
undergoing renovations,' an FRV statement read.
'There has also been significant structural collapse due to the intensity of the fire.'
Residents nearby were warned of visible smoke spreading around the community as crews worked to control the flames.
'There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required, but local residents should be aware of the possibility of smoke and embers in the area,' FRV wrote online.
The fire was declared under control shortly after 1am.
'Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished,' the FRV statement read.
An investigation in to the cause of the fire has been launched.