Loud explosions were heard as a large suspicious blaze engulfed an Essendon home on Tuesday night and threatened neighbouring houses.

More than 13 fire trucks were dispatched to the Nimmo Street home in Melbourne's north-west about 10.30pm. Neighbours were told to take shelter as dangerous embers and smoke filled the area.

A suspicious fire in Essendon threatened neighbouring homes on January 2. Credit:Twitter/@Greaza

Multiple triple zero calls were made by locals who reported hearing loud bangs and screaming.

Residents were told to keep their windows and doors closed and air-conditioning units turned off as 40 firefighters launched an aggressive attack to save neighbouring homes.