Suspicious fire at Footscray rubbish pile sends thick smoke across Melbourne

Police believe a rubbish pile inferno in Melbourne’s inner west overnight was deliberately lit.

Flames tore through the large heap of waste in Footscray, where machinery was in place to sort through the discarded items.

Firefighters attended the scene and eventually successfully extinguished the fire, although the site is still smouldering this morning.

Thick plumes of smoke have blanketed Melbourne and can be smelled as far east as St Kilda.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.