Blaze at popular Vic music hotel

A fire likely caused by a clothes dryer has caused up to $200,000 worth of damage to a popular Melbourne live music venue.

The Pinnacle Hotel in Fitzroy North caught fire about 9.30am on Saturday, when the establishment was closed, damaging the lower ground floor before crews brought it under control.

Billowing smoke forced the closure of St Georges Road for some time and people were advised to avoid the area, but fire fighters issued an all-clear about midday.