Mitcham’s Antonio Park Primary School damaged by fire

Mitcham families were forced to scramble for last-minute school holiday care after a portable classroom went up in flames overnight.

Firefighters and police remain on scene of the Antonio Park Primary school fire. Picture: David Crosling

A school in Melbourne’s east has been extensively damaged by fire.

Police and emergency services responded to reports of a fire at Antonio Park Primary School in Mitcham just after midnight.

Firefighters attended the scene to find a portable school room engulfed in flames.

The crew managed to extinguish the blaze just after 1am but it had destroyed the classroom and spread to nearby plants.

A classroom at Antonio Park Primary was extensively damaged by fire. Picture: David Crosling

A nearby factory was also under threat from the fire.

The demolished classroom is owned by Team Kids, a before and after-school care provider.

CEO James Taylor said it was “devastating” to hear their services had been burnt down at the Mitcham school.

“We had around 45 children booked in today for care services during the holidays,” he said.

“Luckily we’ve been able to relocate those families to nearby services.

“We’ll just have to keep relocating people until the school opens back up.”

A 29-year-old man was arrested and is assisting police. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Taylor said it would be upsetting for the kids to lose all of the “great memories” formed in the building.

“At the end of the day we’re just glad everyone is safe,” he said.

“We look forward to rebuilding and replacing lost items.”

Investigators are yet to establish the cause of the blaze, but it is believed to be suspicious.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby and is assisting police with inquiries.

A crime scene has been established.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.