Fire crews successfully contained a sizable blaze that razed a fitness studio in Melbourne's south-east on Tuesday morning.

The gym, once owned and operated by Rebel News reporter Avi Yemini then known as IDF Training specialising in Krav Maga, fell victim to a suspicious fire, forcing residents to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs.

🚨 Gym formerly owned by Avi Yemini targeted by arsonists in suspicious blaze overnight

Full story: https://t.co/oCFy71AhBH pic.twitter.com/NlBJSbPma5

— Rebel News Australia (@RebelNews_AU) January 22, 2024

Despite efforts by Fire Rescue Victoria, the gym, now rebranded as Bayside Health and Fitness, was severely damaged. Chris Gee, assisting chief officer, lamented the inability to salvage anything from the upper floor, including gym equipment.

Avi expressed concern that the arsonists might have targeted the new owners due to his prior association with the studio.

Waking up to the news that my old IDF training gym in the heart of the Jewish community in Melbourne was burnt down overnight.

I really hope the arsonists didn’t target the new owners because of me or my old branding. pic.twitter.com/q5SuzDjNDX

— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) January 22, 2024

This incident adds to a string of suspected arson attacks across Melbourne, with about 70 firefighters and 30 trucks responding to extinguish the fire, which gutted a gym on the top floor of the building.

The fire caused traffic disruptions and commuter headaches in the area. Residents were forced to evacuate, and a community advice notice has been issued for smoke in the vicinity.

Police have urged anyone with information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.