Emergency services were called to the block in Charnwood Road about 9.20pm.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesman David Rankine said quick action from the firefighters brought the fire under control very quickly, confining it to one unit on the first floor.

"They knocked the fire down very quickly,and they found the person in the flat and dragged them out of the burning unit and helped the ambulance services in performing CPR," he said.

However the man was unable to be saved.

A total of 22 fire fighters and seven vehicles attended the scene.

Mr Rankine said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.

Victoria Police spokesman Senior Constable Adam West said a crime scene had been established and police were investigating.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.