Ivanhoe RSL fire up in flames

Video credit: David Taylor 

The Ivanhoe RSL has been destroyed after a massive fire broke out at the historic building this morning.

The two-storey building on Studley Road was engulfed by flames shortly before 7am, just days before Anzac Day.

The inside of the building, which is heritage-protected, has been largely gutted.

It was regarded one of the finest examples of Queen Anne-style architecture in Heidelberg area.

Crews brought the blaze under control just after 7.30am.

Aerial appliances were needed to extinguish flames as the roof caved in.

The caretaker of the property has been taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. His wife escaped unharmed.

Caller Daniel alerted 3AW Breakfast to the fire.

‘It’s a huge fire, it’s a beautiful old building,’ he said.

The area should be avoided, including nearby Upper Heidelberg Road.