THE first person on the scene of a fire that destroyed a popular Ringwood nightclub said they saw a dark coloured car speed off as they arrived.

Authorities are yet to confirm whether the fire, that destroyed the Dakota nightclub and threatened nearby shops, was deliberately lit.

The nightclub was well alight when fire crews arrived about 2.45am, with shops on both sides being threatened.

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A section of the Maroondah Highway was closed as 15 MFB crews worked for more than 90 minutes to control the blaze.

Motorists have been urged to avoid the area as smoke and steam continue to pour from the building, that may contain asbestos panels.

media_camera Dakota nightclub was well alight when fire crews arrived. Photo: Cody Myers Facebook.

media_camera Dakota nightclub was destroyed by fire. Picture: Steve Tanner

Witness Cody Myers was the first on scene and saw suspicious activity outside the club as the fire raged inside.

“Pulling up we saw a dark coloured car stopped outside Dakota and as soon as we came through they sped off,” he said.

media_camera Authorities assess the scene this morning. Picture: Steve Tanner

media_camera Fire investigators assess the scene this morning. Picture: Steve Tanner

Mr Myers and a friend were driving down Maroondah Highway just before 2.30am when they saw what appeared to be fog around the building.

As they got closer they saw flames coming from the top of Dakota and Mr Myers immediately called triple-0.

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When Mr Myers stepped from the car and walked toward the club, he saw fire raging from its doors.

“The fire brigade and police were there within five minutes and started putting the fire out,” he said.

media_camera Picture: Steve Tanner

media_camera Picture: Steve Tanner

media_camera Picture: Steve Tanner

media_camera Firefighters say the interior of the Dakota nightclub has been completely destroyed. Picture: Hamish Blair

media_camera Picture: Hamish Blair

Fire destroys Ringwood nightclub A crime scene has been set up after fire destroyed the Dakota nightclub. Courtesy Sunrise Seven News

The pair gave statements to police then were asked to move on.

MFB eastern district commander Bruce Pickethall said the interior of the club had been completely destroyed by the fire.

“It’s early days but at this stage we are fairly confident that it started in the front section of the building and has caused extensive damage inside,” he said.

Emergency services found no one inside the nightclub when they arrived.

The venue is now being treated as a crime scene while police and fire investigators attempt to determine the cause of the blaze.

Fire crews will remain on scene during the day.

media_camera Firefighters are expected to remain on scene throughout the day. Picture: Hamish Blair

media_camera Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Picture: Hamish Blair

media_camera Picture: Hamish Blair

media_camera Fire has destroyed the Dakota nightclub in Ringwood overnight. Picture: Hamish Blair

media_camera Dakota in 2010. Picture: News Corp Australia

Police are calling for anyone with information about the fire to contact them.

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