Huge fire at homemaker centre in Melbourne's north causes millions of dollars in damage
A huge fire has torn through a homemaker centre in Melbourne's north, causing millions of dollars worth of damage.
More than 100 firefighters were called in to battle the blaze as it roared at the intersection of High and Cooper streets in Epping from 5am, until it was brought under control about 8am.
The fire caused traffic chaos and prompting smoke warnings in the residential area.
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The fire started about 5am and is continuing after 7am. Nine
The fire has burnt through an Epping homemakers centre. Nine
A Supercheap Auto store and the Cash Converters store next to it were at the centre of the flames.
Both were damaged behind repair, with an excavator set to be brought in to demolish the building.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Emergency services closed parts of High Street and erected road blocks as they battled to control the fire, causing a significant traffic build up ahead of peak hour.
An advice message was also issued alerting the local community to the large amount of thick smoke in the area, but authorities said the smoke was not toxic.
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A Supercheap Auto shop is among the stores burnt. Nine
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