Fire that destroyed Melbourne venue deemed suspicious

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A fire that destroyed Melbourne’s Club Dakota early this morning has been labeled suspicious.

Emergency services were called to the nightclub at Ringwood just after 2:30am this morning, where 10 metre high flames were engulfing the building.

According to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, 45 firefighters, nine fire trucks and two aerial units worked for over 90 minutes to contain the fire. The fire was brought under control just before 4.30am.

Photo Credit: @djmarkhardy

Authorities have said they found no one in the building when they arrived, but suspect the fire was deliberately lit. According to the Herald Sun, the first person at the scene, Cody Myer, said they saw a dark coloured car speed off as they arrived.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB)’s commander Bruce Pickthall has said the two buildings either side have been damaged by smoke. 

A community warning has been issued for smoke in the area because it’s believed the building may have contained asbestos.

Police are calling for anyone who might have seen any unusual activity in the area to come forward. 

The venue on Maroondah Highway at Ringwood hosts an annual DJ Comp with this year’s winner Benny Jay its latest resident. 

Back in October of 2014 the nightclub was blasted by VicHealth and women’s health promotion agency Women’s Health East for a club night advertisement.

Women’s Health East chief executive Kristine Olaris said the depiction of a woman gagged with duct tape had “strong overtones of violence” while VicHealth chief executive Jerril Rechter said the image was “inappropriate”.