A WOMAN and her three grandchildren were evacuated from their Maribyrnong townhouse last week after a fire broke out on the upper floor.

The Edgewater Boulevard fire broke out about 9.30am on Friday, with a smoke alarm alerting the family.

The family, who had previously organised a fire escape plan, put the plan into action and escaped the fire.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the top storey within 15 minutes.

Leading firefighter Brad Pratt said there had been large plumes of smoke billowing from the house.