A major fire damaged a former theatre building in Melbourne’s Collingwood area after emergency services responded to reports of flames and heavy smoke late at night.

Firefighters were called to Johnston Street in Collingwood after emergency calls reported a building fire. Crews arrived within minutes and found a two-storey former theatre heavily involved in fire, with significant smoke and flames coming from the structure.

The incident prompted a large emergency response as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Firefighters Launch Major Response

Emergency crews arrived at the scene at approximately 10:30 p.m. after receiving calls about the fire.

The intensity of the blaze required additional firefighting resources to be deployed. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the operation to tackle the flames and contain the fire inside the building.

Crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties, limiting the immediate impact on surrounding buildings.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 11:50 p.m., although firefighters remained at the location to complete extinguishing operations.

Significant Damage to Building

The former theatre sustained significant damage during the incident.

The building’s condition is now being assessed as authorities continue their response and investigation.

Large fires in older or disused buildings can present particular challenges for firefighters because of structural conditions, internal layouts and the potential presence of combustible materials.

Emergency crews therefore continued working at the site even after the main fire had been brought under control.

Smoke Warning Issued

Because of the amount of smoke generated by the fire, authorities issued a community advice message for people in the surrounding area.

Smoke from large building fires can travel beyond the immediate fireground and affect nearby streets and properties.

Residents and other people in the area were therefore advised to remain aware of official emergency information while firefighters continued operations.

Incident Considered Suspicious

Authorities have classified the circumstances surrounding the fire as suspicious.

The incident is expected to be examined further to determine how the fire began and whether any deliberate action was involved.

Victoria Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

A suspicious-fire investigation can involve examination of the fire scene, witness information and other available evidence to establish the cause and sequence of events.

Emergency Services Work Together

The response involved multiple emergency agencies working at the scene.

Firefighters concentrated on containing and extinguishing the blaze, while police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ambulance Victoria personnel were also present during the emergency response.

Coordinated work between emergency services is important during major fires because incidents involving large buildings can create risks for occupants, nearby residents, firefighters and surrounding properties.

Investigation Continues

Although the fire has been brought under control, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Authorities will examine available evidence to establish the circumstances that led to the blaze.

Because the building was a former theatre, investigators may also examine the property’s condition, recent activity around the site and other information that could help determine how the fire started.

The suspicious classification means the circumstances will receive further police attention.

Community Safety

The incident highlights the challenges posed by major fires in densely developed urban areas.

Collingwood contains a mixture of residential, commercial and older buildings, meaning a significant fire can potentially affect neighbouring properties and surrounding streets.

The rapid response by emergency crews helped prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.

As firefighters completed their work and investigators prepared to examine the scene, authorities continued to focus on ensuring the area remained safe.

The cause of the fire and any further findings will depend on the investigation now being undertaken.