Warehouse fire blankets Coburg North and surrounds in smoke

Dozens of guests were forced to flee for their lives after a raging warehouse fire threatened the Coburg North motel they were staying in. The blaze blanketed the area in smoke, with Sydney Rd set to remain off limits overnight.

Dozens of guests were forced to flee for their lives after a raging warehouse fire threatened the Coburg North motel they were staying in.

Thirty people were evacuated from the motel before the fire from the derelict Sydney Rd warehouse spread to it.

The blaze was finally brought under control just before 8.30pm, with more than 40 firefighters battling it for more than three hours.

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Fire on #sydneyRd #coburg #Fire pic.twitter.com/oLu0brJRic

— Ahmed Zaz Merhi (@ZazMerhi) December 1, 2018

Dozens of firefighters are battling the out-of-control blaze. Picture: Jason Edwards

Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the area. Picture: Jason Edwards

The large amount of smoke is affecting visibility. Picture: Jason Edwards

The MFB issued an advice message for the fire, which broke out around 5pm today.

Strong winds in Melbourne appeared to be fanning the flames earlier today, with gusts of up to 37kmh recorded at Essendon Airport this afternoon.

Smoke from the blaze has also blanketed the surrounding area, affecting visibility.

There was no threat to the community in Coburg and Coburg North, but residents were told to stay informed and monitor fire conditions.

The community has also been asked to keep roads clear for responding emergency services.

Those who are sensitive to smoke should close windows and doors, and also turn off heating and cooling systems.

The blaze is threatening nearby parkland. Picture: Jason Edwards

The warehouse has been gutted by the blaze. Picture: Jason Edwards

Emergency services workers have swarmed to the area. Picture: Jason Edwards

A firefighter tackles the blaze, which broke out at an abandoned Coburg North warehouse. Picture: Jason Edwards

Sydney Rd has been closed north of Gaffney St, with the street closed to motorists and trams.

No route 19 trams are running between stop 34 on Bell St and North Coburg.

Traffic will be affected for a long period of time, with emergency services set to be in the area overnight.

A man who works at Coburg Motor Inn next door said the warehouse had been empty for about 10 years and housed kitchen equipment.

He said there was a lot of smoke and had been told by police to leave his motel.

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Oh lord Jesus it’s a #fire #coburg #coburgnorth pic.twitter.com/mumJjae4VX

— Dogmon (@jfrancis99) December 1, 2018

Fire at risk to large park behind it. pic.twitter.com/vSVv1AkCgc

— Lou (@LouM567) December 1, 2018

Massive fire on corner of Sydney Rd and Gaffney St, Coburg. Gonna be no way through those roads for a couple of hours I imagine. Hope no one was hurt. pic.twitter.com/WC28TVhB4v

— Harper Pestinger (@PestingerHarper) December 1, 2018

— with AAP