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Explosions Heard as Suspicious Fire Destroys Melbourne Tobacco Shop - Melbourne, VIC
Smart summary
Police investigate a suspected break-in and deliberate fire at a shop on St Georges Road after neighbouring businesses were also damaged.
A tobacco shop in Fitzroy North, in Melbourne's inner north, was destroyed by a major overnight fire on Monday, 12 October 2026, prompting a police investigation into suspected arson.
Emergency services were called to St Georges Road at approximately 3:35 am after reports of a fire. Firefighters arrived to find a single-storey shop within a local shopping strip fully engulfed in flames. Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood reported hearing explosions shortly before 4 am, raising concerns about the intensity of the blaze.
Fire Rescue Victoria deployed nine fire appliances and 29 firefighters to tackle the emergency. Crews worked to extinguish the flames while preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring businesses and homes behind the property.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 4:32 am, but the tobacco shop sustained severe damage. Two neighbouring businesses were also affected as the flames spread beyond the original premises. Firefighters searched the shop and confirmed that nobody was inside when the fire occurred. No occupants were reported inside the destroyed store, although the incident caused significant disruption to the local business strip.
Residents described being woken by loud noises and noticing thick black smoke outside. One resident said the sounds appeared to escalate rapidly, with a large explosion following smaller noises. The reports illustrate how quickly the fire developed during the early morning hours while much of the neighbourhood was asleep. Victoria Police established a crime scene and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Investigators believe one or more offenders may have broken into the business before deliberately setting it alight. These details remain part of the investigation and have not been established through court proceedings.
Witnesses reportedly saw a dark-coloured vehicle leaving the area. Police are seeking information that could help identify those responsible and determine whether the incident is connected to other suspicious fires. Investigators have appealed to anyone who was in the area during the early morning hours to come forward.
CCTV recordings from nearby businesses and homes, dashcam footage and information from witnesses could help establish the sequence of events before and after the fire began. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
The incident comes amid a wider series of suspicious fires involving businesses and vehicles across Melbourne in recent days. However, whether this particular blaze is linked to other incidents remains a matter for investigators to establish.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews remained at the scene into daylight hours to complete extinguishing work and manage remaining hazards. The damage to neighbouring businesses also raised concerns about the impact on local traders and the disruption caused to the shopping strip.
Police have not publicly established the identity or motive of any offender in this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are relying on witness information and available footage to determine what happened.
Residents should avoid the immediate investigation area and follow police directions while emergency crews and investigators continue their work.
FireBusinessesPoliceShopIncident
A tobacco shop in Fitzroy North, in Melbourne's inner north, was destroyed by a major overnight fire on Monday, 12 October 2026, prompting a police investigation into suspected arson.
Emergency services were called to St Georges Road at approximately 3:35 am after reports of a fire. Firefighters arrived to find a single-storey shop within a local shopping strip fully engulfed in flames. Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood reported hearing explosions shortly before 4 am, raising concerns about the intensity of the blaze.
Fire Rescue Victoria deployed nine fire appliances and 29 firefighters to tackle the emergency. Crews worked to extinguish the flames while preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring businesses and homes behind the property.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 4:32 am, but the tobacco shop sustained severe damage. Two neighbouring businesses were also affected as the flames spread beyond the original premises. Firefighters searched the shop and confirmed that nobody was inside when the fire occurred. No occupants were reported inside the destroyed store, although the incident caused significant disruption to the local business strip.
Residents described being woken by loud noises and noticing thick black smoke outside. One resident said the sounds appeared to escalate rapidly, with a large explosion following smaller noises. The reports illustrate how quickly the fire developed during the early morning hours while much of the neighbourhood was asleep. Victoria Police established a crime scene and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Investigators believe one or more offenders may have broken into the business before deliberately setting it alight. These details remain part of the investigation and have not been established through court proceedings.
Witnesses reportedly saw a dark-coloured vehicle leaving the area. Police are seeking information that could help identify those responsible and determine whether the incident is connected to other suspicious fires. Investigators have appealed to anyone who was in the area during the early morning hours to come forward.
CCTV recordings from nearby businesses and homes, dashcam footage and information from witnesses could help establish the sequence of events before and after the fire began. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
The incident comes amid a wider series of suspicious fires involving businesses and vehicles across Melbourne in recent days. However, whether this particular blaze is linked to other incidents remains a matter for investigators to establish.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews remained at the scene into daylight hours to complete extinguishing work and manage remaining hazards. The damage to neighbouring businesses also raised concerns about the impact on local traders and the disruption caused to the shopping strip.
Police have not publicly established the identity or motive of any offender in this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are relying on witness information and available footage to determine what happened.
Residents should avoid the immediate investigation area and follow police directions while emergency crews and investigators continue their work.
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