By Tammy Mills
A fault in an electrical switchboard at the Little Saigon Market caused the fire that gutted the Footscray institution, firefighters say.
MFB Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Thomas said fire investigators confirmed the cause after an inspection on Wednesday morning.
"MFB's fire and investigation analysis team has inspected the premises this morning and found that a fault in the electrical switch was the cause of the blaze," he said.
The premises did not have working fire alarms or sprinklers, but it was still building compliant for that type of building, Mr Thomas said.
Fire crews continue to hose-down smoldering remains of the market on Wednesday morning.Credit: Jason South
In contrast, co-owner Loc Lam said the market didn't have any sprinklers, but it did have a fire alarm system that had been regularly serviced.
"It's possible it didn't activate," he said.
He said there were no issues with the building's electrics reported to him.
Mr Thomas said half of the premises was destroyed.
Fire gutted the iconic Little Saigon market on Tuesday.Credit: Jason South
"The remainder has been severely damaged by smoke and water," he said.
He said the fire has been contained, but is yet to be extinguished due to various inaccessible hot spots and threat of building collapse.
Charity worker Les Twentyman at the scene of the fire on Tuesday.Credit: Pat Scala
"The MFB is speaking to Maribyrnong City Council to seek further demolition to the site to enable greater access for firefighters," Mr Thomas said.
Early indications estimated the damage bill would exceed $12 million.
Co-owner of the premises, Loc Lam.Credit: Pat Scala
The market was engulfed in flames from 6am on Tuesday with firefighters battling the blaze from outside, unable to get inside to extinguish it due to fears the building would collapse.
It was brought under control about midday that day.
The fire destroyed stalls and shops inside. There were about 30 shops and 25 leases in the building, Mr Lam said.
The council, the Vietnamese Community in Australia and the Footscray Traders Association are searching for a temporary space to house the displaced traders in the lead-up to Christmas, normally their busiest period.
The second floor was also home to the Les Twentyman Foundation's back-to-school program, which provided donated textbooks to teenagers who otherwise couldn't afford it.
Presents set to go to displaced youths were also being stored there and were set to be picked-up on Tuesday night for the foundation's Christmas party.
The foundation has already received offers for support, including from western suburbs cafes and community organisations, and donations.