Heidelberg Heights unit on Southern Road damaged by suspicious fire

Police remain at the scene of a suspicious unit fire in Heidelberg Heights, with the front windows boarded up and rubbish seen dumped along the side of the house.

The damaged unit on Southern Rd Heidelberg Heights.

A Heidelberg Heights unit has suffered significant damage after a suspicious fire ripped through the building.

One neighbour was treated for smoke inhalation after the fire broke out at the unoccupied single-storey brick veneer unit on Southern Rd about 2am Wednesday, with Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters arriving to find the property fully alight.

The front windows have been boarded up and rubbish could be seen along the side of the house.

FRV said due to the intensity of the blaze, crews were initially unable to enter the building to search for occupants, but neighbours reported that the unit was unoccupied.

Residents were temporarily evacuated from the adjoining units, with concerns the fire would spread.

But crews were able to keep the blaze contained to the one unit.

The fire was declared under control at 2.48am, 32 minutes after FRV crews arrived on scene.

A smoke warning was issued to nearby residents.

Police said the cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious with an arson chemist to attend the scene later on Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.