Millicent Spencer
A large fire broke out at the Epping Homemakers centre on Wednesday, February 1, causing traffic chaos and smoke warnings for near-by residents.
Firefighters were called to the scene on High Street at 5am.
Crews arrived to find two stores within the homemaker centre, an automotive car shop and second hand goods store, in flames.
At the height of the fire more than a 100 firefighters were on scene working to extinguish the flames.
Crews tackled the blaze using aerial appliances, with the fire causing the building to collapse.
The fire is near the main intersection of High Street and Cooper Street in Epping. As a result parts of High Street and the High Street/Cooper Street intersection are closed.
The scene was declared under control at 7.45am but it’s expected crews will remain on scene for most of the day.
Fire Rescue Victoria has advised members of the community to avoid the area.
“If you are sensitive to smoke or you live with someone who is sensitive to smoke, you should close windows and doors,” the FRV statement said.
“Turn off heating and cooling systems.
“To prevent the smell of smoke entering your home or business, close windows and doors. “
