Shops destroyed in suspicious Lygon St fire

Witnesses to a suspicious fire in Lygon Street, Carlton, say they heard explosions before several businesses were destroyed this morning.

The fire, which started soon after midnight near the Grattan St corner, was so fierce it caused a brick wall to collapse into the laneway.

It has caused about $2 million of damage.

Grattan Street is closed in both directions.

The MFB says the Lygon Street will be closed city-bound “for about half the day”.

Lygon St Carlton to remain closed city bound for some time. Blaze is being treated as suspicious, big clean-up ahead. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/EELdYQDbHQ

— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) October 1, 2017

About 15 people were evacuated from surrounding buildings as a precaution.

3AW reporter Pat Mitchell told Ross and John the store in which the fire started had been undergoing renovations.

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