‘Suspicious’ blaze in abandoned Melbourne home sparks arrest of 25-year-old man

A 25-year-old man has been arrested after an abandoned home in Melbourne's east was badly damaged by a “suspicious” blaze.

Four crews and about 20 firefighters responded to the blaze in Ringwood last night, after it left the surrounding area blanketed in smoke.

The single story weatherboard home on Heywood Street was "substantially damaged" by the fire, which has been deemed suspicious, according to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control just after 8pm. After searching the home, they were able to confirm no one was inside.

A 25-year-old Frankston man has since been arrested at the scene.

Traffic in the local area has been affected, according to Vic Emergency website.