Motel evacuated, buildings destroyed in Apollo Bay restaurant fire

A motel and nearby residents have been evacuated after a massive blaze ripped through multiple restaurants in Apollo Bay.

A motel has been evacuated as fire ripped through three restaurants at a popular Victorian holiday town on Wednesday morning.

CFA crews were called to a restaurant fire on Collingwood Street in Apollo Bay about 3.17am.

“Two shops have been destroyed and a third shop was fully involved,” a CFA spokesperson confirmed.

Two buildings have been completely destroyed by the fire. Picture: Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

A blaze tore through buildings in Apollo Bay. Picture: Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

A motel next door to the buildings had also been evacuated, as well as residents living nearby.

It’s understood The Blue Bird Fish and Chips and the chinese restaurant next door were destroyed in the blaze.

It’s understood The Blue Bird Fish and Chips and Chinese Restaurant was destroyed in the blaze.

A neighbouring building hit by the blaze.

Locals took to Facebook and recalled fond memories at the seaside eatery.

“So sad. End of an era. So many great memories of The Bluebird,” Melissa Fisher-Jones wrote.

“This is truly devastating and heartbreaking to see. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved including those businesses affected,” Brad Mcl wrote.

The extent of the damaged revealed as the sun rises. Picture: Sally Cannon

A hazmat vehicle was assisting due to “some chemicals” at the scene.

All up, 11 CFA vehicles responded to the blaze, which was declared under control about 6.30am.

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