The fire at the old Ford factory at 39 Otway Street began about 9.30am, with contaminated asbestos smoke billowing across Ballarat until crews had the blaze under control about 10am.

The factory was derelict and no one was inside at the time. 

RAW FOOTAGE:

The CFA issued an advice warning to nearby residents to stay indoors due to the factory's asbestos structure.

Ballarat City Fire Brigade station officer Jarrod Howlett said the fire was being treated as suspicious and police were investigating.

Mr Howlett said four crews responded to the job and brought it under control within half-an-hour.

Paramedics also attended, but there were no reports of injuries.

The suspicious blaze came on the same day Crime Stoppers Victoria launched their Ballarat and region arson campaign.

Crime Stoppers is encouraging the community to make a confidential report about any suspicious bushfire, arson or reckless fire activity.

If you have such information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppers.vic.gov.au 

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