Fire breaks out at iconic Caulfield Racecourse

A suspicious fire has caused major damage to a grandstand at an iconic Melbourne racecourse, sparking a frantic early morning investigation by Police.

A suspicious fire has caused major damage to the grandstand at Caulfield Racecourse, sparking an early morning investigation by Victoria Police.

Emergency services were called to Station Street, Caulfield East, around 6.20am (AEDT) on Tuesday after reports of smoke billowing from the venue.

Crews discovered flames visible through the building’s windows on arrival.

Firefighters quickly managed to contain the blaze to the central grandstand, and by 7am, the fire was deemed under control.

Victoria Police established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the suspicious cause of the fire.

“Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the Caulfield Racecourse,” authorities confirmed in a statement.

There were no injuries and the area was evacuated safely.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the Caulfield Racecourse on 7 January. Emergency services responded to reports of a fire in the grandstand about 6.25am. No one was injured and the area was evacuated safely. Picture: 9NEWS

Damage was clearly visible inside the Norman Robinson Grandstand. Picture: Ian Currie

The blaze comes at a particularly sensitive time for Caulfield Racecourse with some of the venue’s biggest events just around the corner. The Blue Diamond Stakes, CF Orr Stakes, and Oakleigh Plate — three prestigious Group 1 races — are all set to take place next month.

“Everything is under control which is great, the fire was contained to the Norman Robinson stand... It has not spread. There has been a lot of smoke and water damage but we will know more in the next hour,” Chairman of the Melbourne Racing Club John Kanga told SEN’s Gareth Hall.

The blaze comes at a particularly sensitive time for Caulfield Racecourse with some of the venue’s biggest events just around the corner. Picture: 9NEWS

Fire Rescue Victoria have issued a request for residents to keep the roads clear. Picture: Ian Currie

Fire Rescue Victoria have issued a request for residents to keep the roads clear.

They also advised that smoke could be visible from surrounding suburbs, though assured the community that there was currently no direct threat to public safety.

“Thankfully no impact to the community and definitely no horses, which is great news,” Incident controller at Fire Rescue Victoria, Dennis Smith told 3AW Breakfast.