A suspicious fire that heavily damaged an Islamic community centre is being investigated as fire fighters battled to control the blaze.

More than 50 firefighters were called to an Islamic centre in Fawkner, Melbourne's north, on Sunday morning at around 2.36am as flames engulfed the building.

The words 'Islamic State' were sprayed on the side of the building, according to Nine News.

A suspicious fire that heavily damaged an Islamic community centre is being investigated as fire fighters battled to control the blaze

More than 50 firefighters were called to an Islamic centre in Fawkner, Melbourne's north, on Sunday morning at around 2.36am as flames engulfed the building

It took an hour to control the fire and a crime scene was set up as police investigate the incident.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade Commander Andrew Dixon said investigations were ongoing.

'Responding crews could see the fire from Thomastown, such was the intensity of the fire,' he told the ABC.

'The centre itself is a place of gathering for the local Islamic community.'