Two businesses have been destroyed after becoming engulfed in flames in Melbourne’s north.

The fire broke out at the Epping Homemaker Centre about 5am on Wednesday.

Flames ripped through a Supercheap Auto and spread to a Cash Converters next door.

There are structural issues with both buildings so Fire Rescue Victoria is unable to send any crews inside to put out lingering flames until they are deemed safe.

A large plume of smoke was visible from several kilometres away and members of the public were asked to avoid the area.

A section of the usually busy intersection at High Street and Cooper Street was shut down during the morning peak as more than 100 firefighters worked to put out the inferno.

– AAP