Large fire engulfs Little Saigon Market at Footscray

The Les Twentyman Foundation faces a race against the clock to replace Christmas gifts that were destroyed in a huge fire in Footscray this morning.

The foundation lost around 6,000 books and 100 presents intended to be donated to disadvantaged children.

Fire crews were called to the Little Saigon Shopping Centre shortly after 6am, and it has taken more than seven hours to bring the blaze under control.

The centre, which is home to the Foundation along with an Asian supermarket, bakery, and other businesses, has been gutted and may need to be knocked down.

Les Twentyman told Darren James it’s a massive blow for the charity.

‘I’m sure the people of Melbourne will rally and assist where they can,’ he said.

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Earlier, Margot told 3AW’s Justin and Kate she has never seen a fire like it in her life.

‘The flames are right up into the sky,’ she said.

‘Kate, there’s just flames coming everywhere and the sky is black with smoke.’ 

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