Melbourne CBD restaurant fire at corner of Russell and Bourke streets blankets city in smoke

This is the moment screaming workers were forced to flee a burning Melbourne CBD restaurant, with flames sent shooting from the building’s roof as dozens of firefighters battled the blaze.

A blaze in the heart of Melbourne CBD has sent smoke billowing above the city, with flames seen shooting into the air as firefighters battled the blaze.

Thick smoke could be seen billowing into the air just after 11.15am after a fire broke out in a restaurant at the corner of Russell and Bourke streets.

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Smoke billows across the city skyline. Picture: Twitter/@navyblue82

Thick black smoke from the fire. Picture: Susan Biggar/Twitter

The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen. Picture: Sam Syed

Flames in the building's roof this morning. Picture: Manfred Granig

In a dramatic video shot by a witness, workers could be seen screaming as they fled from the fire as flames spread inside the kitchen area.

Police officers could also be seen evacuating the restaurant as thick black smoke billowed above.

The fire brigade said the “well involved” blaze was quickly under control shortly before midday after 50 firefighters and multiple appliances responded.

An MFB incident controller at the scene said the ceiling had collapsed into the first floor of the double-storey building.

Crews evacuated buildings on either side to ensure the safety of people in the area.

A MFB firefighter inspects the roof for hot spots. Picture: David Caird

Fire now visible from building pic.twitter.com/m3vgl9CrmH

— Scott Reed (@scott___reed) April 29, 2019

Amna Raza said around 100 people fled the nearby Holmesglen Institute building after they smelt smoke.

“It was so intense, we literally self-evacuated because the alarm — which had sounded twice before on other days for false alarms — didn’t go off,” she said.

“We could smell the smoke but couldn’t see it so it was really scary, especially because I have asthma so had to leave as soon as possible.”

A health warning has been issued due to smoke in the area and there are no reports of any injuries.

Traffic delays are also expected after road closures, with VicRoads urging motorists to use Exhibition St instead.

Russell St north of the fire will be closed all afternoon, while the southern end should reopen shortly.

At this stage, the cause of the blaze is unknown.

Russell St has been closed in the wake of the fire. Picture: David Caird

A fire truck races to the scene. Picture: Simon Love

More to come