Hoarding fuels flames at Melb unit fire

Rubbish and household items piled up to the ceiling of a hoarder's Melbourne apartment has fuelled flames as the unit caught alight.

The fourth floor unit of a Carlton block of flats was engulfed in flames at 2:30pm on Thursday, causing the evacuation of the whole block.

The resident of the fourth-floor apartment, said to be in his 70s, was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the unit, but were faced with mountains of clutter.

"There was extensive hoarding in that apartment, virtually no room to move in anywhere of the rooms," MFB's Rick Gili told the Nine Network.

He said the resident is lucky to be alive.

A woman was also treated by paramedics for distress.

Fire investigators are at the scene investigating the cause of the fire.

The damage bill is estimated at $100,000.

Residents have been told they can return to their homes Thursday night.