Cheltenham fire: Two factories gutted in Age St blaze

Thick smoke is blanketing Cheltenham and surrounds after a massive blaze gutted two factories this morning. Meanwhile, police are hunting an alleged firebug.

Two adjoining factories in Cheltenham have been gutted by fire.

Fire crews were called to the Age St scene just after 12.40am on March 4.

More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze.

When crews arrived, the fire had spread throughout the two factories, and some of the external walls had collapsed.

Fire fighters at a factory fire in Age street, Cheltenham where a large wall is in danger of collapsing. Picture: David Crosling

Fat Shack Vintage in Cheltenham has been gutted by a massive blaze. Picture: David Crosling.

The blaze took more than three hours to bring under control and crews managed to stop the fire spreading to other adjoining buildings.

A smoke warning has been issued for Bentleigh East, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Heatherton, Highett, Moorabbin, Moorabbin East and Oakleigh South.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and investigators have not yet ruled out whether it’s suspicious.

MICKEY MOUSE FIREBUG

Meanwhile, a man in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt is wanted after a bayside home was set alight.

The property on Catherine Ave, Chelsea was found in flames about 2pm on February 28.

The suspicious blaze caused enormous damage and spread to neighbouring properties however no one was injured.

Police want to speak to a man in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt over a suspicious house fire in Chelsea.

Witnesses have told police a man was seen walking in the area at the time of the fire.

Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released an image of him strolling along the street as the fire rages in the background.

He was wearing blue jeans, white runners, a dark coloured hooded top wrapped around his waist and a black t-shirt with Mickey Mouse on the front of it and large white writing on the back.

Anyone who recognises him or has information about the house fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.