Fire breaks out in Chapel Street
Dozens of firefighters have battled a large blaze which burnt out several businesses along one of Melbourne's busiest shopping strips.
Firefighters believe the blaze may have started in a beauty clinic on an upper level and spread to adjoining business in Chapel Street, South Yarra.
It took about 50 firefighters to bring the fire, near the corner of Commercial Road and Chapel Street, under control.
The fire quickly grew and damaged neighbouring shops, MFB Commander Darren Conlin told Fairfax Radio.
He said an explosion was heard prior to the fire spreading.
The fire caused peak hour traffic pain with the road blocked in both directions between Commercial and Toorak Road, with no trams or cars allowed along the strip.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFB) says the incident is now under control and Chapel Street South Yarra is now open to all traffic and trams. However, emergency vehicles will be present throughout the night.
Authorities are warning that people in nearby communities and roads may still smell smoke but are also being told to open their windows and doors to ventilate their homes a businesses.
No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
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