Vermont South fire: Blaze at abandoned Burwood Highway building

Firefighters are tackling a massive blaze in Vermont South which has sparked peak hour traffic chaos and blanketed the area in thick smoke.

Firefighters are tackling a massive blaze at an abandoned building in Vermont South which has sparked peak hour traffic chaos.

Fire crews are called to the Burwood Hwy scene just about 7.50am on March 31.

More than 50 firefighters care currently on site, as well as nine pumpers and two aerial appliances.

When crews arrived at the incident, near the Hanover Rd, they found a three-storey abandoned building up in flames.

The empty building had partially collapsed as a result of the fire.

A large fire has caused peak hour traffic chaos, shutting down stretches of highway in Melbourne’s east. Picture: Mark Stewart

About 50 firefighters tackled the massive blaze. Picture: Mark Stewart

The fire had also spread to a neighbouring single-storey building.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said the blaze at the adjoining site was quickly brought under control while crews continued to tackle the fire at the three-storey building.

It was declared under control about 8.24am.

The cause is not yet known.

Police are on site to help with traffic control, with Burwood Hwy closed to citybound traffic at Mountain Hwy.

Motorists are urged to use Boronia, Canterbury or High Street roads.

Smoke is visible from nearby roads and communities.