Warnings to residents after huge blaze at factory in Hallam, Melbourne

Residents in parts of a major city have been issued warnings as a firefighters battle a blaze at a factory, which police are treating as suspicious.

An arson chemist has been called to investigate a suspicious fire at what is believed to be a school uniform shop in Melbourne’s southeast.

The building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene on the Princes Highway at Hallam just after midnight on Thursday.

Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) battled the blaze for hours until it was deemed under control just after 3am.

A warning was issued to neighbouring communities as smoke plumed from the blaze.

Residents were warned to stay informed and be aware that they may see or smell smoke.

Emergency services pictured on scene at a school uniform factory in Hallam. Picture: Madelaine Burke via X

Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police also responded to the fire and a building surveyor was also on the scene.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious, and fire crews remain on the scene to fully extinguish the blaze.

An arson chemist will visit the Princes Highway site later on Thursday to determine the cause.

Anyone who has any information or footage of the fire has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers.