Factory fire smoke covers Melbourne suburb

Smoke billowing from a factory fire has covered a Melbourne suburb in smoke.

MFB crews were called to the fire in Alex Avenue, Bentleigh East just after 8.30pm on Monday and found a single story factory well alight.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze after just over an hour but will remain on scene overnight and fire investigators are expected to inspect the factory early on Tuesday.

Local residents have been told to keep doors and windows closed and turn off cooling and heating systems to avoid the smoke coming inside.