Fire destroys new apartment in Footscray, west Melbourne

Fire has destroyed a new apartment in Footscray, West Melbourne.

Firefighters were called to the unit, which was the middle of three in a development under construction on Barkly Street, about 11pm yesterday.

Neighbours reported seeing thick smoke pouring from the home and attempted to extinguish the blaze using garden hoses.

The fire was well established when crews arrived, and they were able to prevent the fire spreading to the neighbouring units.

Local business owner Fiona, who runs the café behind the development, saw the fire unfold.

“People in the streets behind could see the flames going up, it was pretty scary, but thankfully we can open tomorrow,” she said.

Fire crews spent 50 minutes extinguishing the blaze and Barkly Street was closed for several hours.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.