Route 86 trams and Plenty Rd traffic were stopped on Thursday (July 13) as a fire hit the Beijing Duck and Dumpling restaurant at the Murray Rd corner in East Preston.
The restaurant was taken to hospital, and two other people were treated, after the blaze started around 9am.
Some 10 Fire Rescue Victoria units attended the scene, from which black smoke could be seen.
There were initial fears for the safety of residents in an adjoining apartment.
Nearby, staff at the Glow Magic Car Wash donned maskes, as owner Ali Alrukabi became concerned for the wellbeing, reported Athos Sirianos of the Herald Sun.
Passer-by ‘Joe’ took 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell about the blaze, which officials later said appeared to come from an electrical fault.
Fire Rescue Victoria Acting Commander Phillip Rumney said the amount of smoke at the fire scene was “concerning”.
“Initially there was a lot of smoke and our major concern was the Telstra tower positioned on the roof and trying to isolate to them,” Mr Rumney was reported to say.
Police stopped all traffic on Plenty Rd, with radio reports advising motorists to take High St and Albert St as alternative routes.
The restaurant was taken to hospital.

Photo: 3aw.com.au