A Victorian man has admitted he set fire to a South Melbourne factory, which sent smoke billowing across the city and caused millions of dollars in damage.
Jayden Tune, from Parkville, pleaded guilty in Melbourne's County Court on Wednesday to one charge of intentionally and without lawful excuse destroying the factory by fire last year.
He appeared by video link from prison as he entered his guilty plea.
The fire caused about $4.5 million in damage, according to insurance documents, the court heard.
About 50 firefighters battled the blaze on the corner of Ferrars and Buckhurst streets, which began just before midnight on May 5, 2021.
South Melbourne Primary School was forced to close as the fire threatened nearby properties. Warnings were issued after smoke spread across Melbourne's inner-city suburbs.
The fire was brought under control after about two hours and there were no injuries.
Tune will return to court for a plea hearing in January.
