BUILDINGS were evacuated and a smoke warning issued after a suspicious fire tore through a disused Chinatown restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD.

Firefighters were on scene at New Kum Den restaurant within minutes of the Heffernan Lane blaze, battling it for 45 minutes before it was brought under control.

media_camera The area was cordoned off. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The fire was located on the second level of the building and had extended into the roof.

The building is known to be frequented by squatters, prompting a search by firefighters for anyone that may have been inside.

People have been told to avoid the area between Little Bourke St and Lonsdale St around Heffernan Ln, despite fire crews bringing the blaze under control just after 9pm.

media_camera Smoke is seen over Chinatown as firefighters battle the blaze. Picture: Twitter/@loumick3

media_camera Onlookers at the scene as firefighters prepare to battle the Chinatown blaze. Picture: Twitter/@Dream_Brother_

Huge clouds of smoke billowed across Melbourne’s CBD in the aftermath.

A City of Melbourne surveyor will check the building’s integrity.

The cause of the fire has been deemed suspicious, with police to investigate.

No-one was injured in the blaze.