Investigations under way after fire engulfs roof of double storey Armadale home

Residents were treated for burns and smoke inhalation after the roof of a double-storey unit in Melbourne’s inner east caught on fire overnight.

Investigations are under way into what sparked a unit fire in the city’s inner east overnight that left residents with burns and smoke inhalation.

Emergency services were called to the two-storey property on Sutherland Rd in Armadale just before 3am on Thursday following multiple reports of flames and billowing smoke.

Fire Rescue Victoria crews arrived within seven minutes to find the house’s roof alight.

Crews found flames licking the roof and “heavy smoke” at one of the back units of the complex.

At least nine FRV units and 28 firefighters tackled the blaze, which was brought under control within 30 minutes.

A double-storey unit caught on fire overnight, leaving residents with burns and smoke inhalation. Picture: Ben Gillingham

FRV crews remained on scene to investigate the fire later Thursday morning. Picture: Athos Sirianos

A FRV spokesman said multiple residents suffered smoke inhalation, and at least one resident suffered burns.

“Ambulance and police responded in support to assist with evacuations and patients,” they said.

“All residents appear to be accounted for at the time of report.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics were also called to the residence, where two men believed to be in their 70s were assessed for injuries.

“A man believed to be in his 70s was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to The Alfred in a stable condition,” they said.

“Another man believed to be in his 70s was also assessed at the scene but did not require emergency treatment or transport.”

A community alert was issued for smoke in the area and crews remain at the house to investigate the cause of the fire.

Sutherland Rd has since been reopened to traffic after earlier closures.

It’s understood the fire is not being treated as suspicious.