‘Really, really big’ fire destroys a South Yarra kindergarten

A massive fire in South Yarra has been brought under control but not before destroying a kindergarten at the rear of Christ Church Grammar School.

Witness Diana said the flames were “really, really big” just after 6.30am.

• Scroll down for footage of the fire

“They’re about 10 storeys high,” she told 3AW Breakfast.

The blaze is now under control.

Today reporter Izabella Staskowski says the roof is “just completely gone”.

“You can just see black, charred parts of ceiling, parts of wood, falling apart” she said.

“The smoke is still going up in the air, at the moment though, no flames, so that’s a good thing.”

A watch and act notice was issued for Albert Park, Cremorne, Melbourne, Prahran, Richmond, South Melbourne, South Yarra and Windsor. It has now been scaled back to an advice message.

Punt Road was closed in both directions between Toorak Road and Commercial Road this morning, but has now reopened.

Press PLAY below to hear the latest from the scene

Press PLAY below to see footage of the fire

Press PLAY below to hear what witness Diana saw