POLICE are investigating a $1.2 million fire that destroyed a Thomastown linen business in the early hours this morning.
More than 50 firefighters were called out just after midnight to the blaze at A.L.D. Linen Service in Temple Drive and took an hour to control the fire.
Factories on each side were threatened as Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority crews battled the fire, which was apparently fueled by several large bails of cloth, MFB spokesman Trevor Woodward said.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought through thick smoke and eventually stopped the blaze spreading to neighbouring properties, he said.
Damage to the 20m x 50m single-storey factory was extensive, with machinery and stock losses estimated at $1.2 million.
