Firefighters battle blaze at Station Pier, Port Melbourne

A FIRE at Station Pier in Port Melbourne is now under control, after 25 people were forced to evacuate the area.

A blaze at Station Pier in Port Melbourne is now under control. Picture: file photo

A FIRE at Station Pier in Port Melbourne is now under control, after 25 people were evacuated from the area.

Fire crews were initially called to the scene after a smoke alarm went off just after 12pm.

Fire at Station Pier under control - at least 20 workers evacuated after its believed to have started in terminal switchboard.@9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/SI9CrUk6ER

— Alexis Daish (@LexiDaish) September 4, 2017

But once firefighters arrived, they noticed smoke coming from the switchboard and evacuated 25 people from the area.

Fire at Station Pier in #PortMelbourne is under control. MFB to remain on scene. @VictoriaPolice and @AmbulanceVic assisting ^GL pic.twitter.com/G5LvcMvvED

— Greg Leach (@MFBChief) September 4, 2017

MFB fire service communication controller David Rankine said due to the high winds, crews were concerned the fire would spread.

“On arrival crews found a switchboard fire that had extended into the wall and

roof space,” he said.

“Strong winds helped fan the fire so extra trucks were required to

contain the fire.

Mr Rankine said crews will remain on the scene to ensure the fire, which took about an hour to bring under control, is completely extinguished.

“Asbestos has been determined to be present so precautions are in place for

decontamination of crew.”

It has been reported that there will be no significant impact on operations of

Spirit of Tasmania.