Firefighters have had to dodge exploding fireworks as they battled another suspicious tobacco store fire in Melbourne’s north.
Residents in Craigieburn called emergency services about 3:30am, reporting hearing multiple explosions and a fire at the corner of Smeaton Court and Bridgewater Road.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said crews arrived to find the brick and tin store “with fire through the roof and involving fireworks”.
Houses north of the fire were under ember attack and a neighbour’s roof caught fire, an FRV spokesperson said.
“Crews attempting to extinguish the fire in the shop came under attack from fireworks,” they said.
It took about an hour and a half to bring the fire under control.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics were at the scene and were able to check on the welfare of the firefighters.
Police to investigate whether blaze is linked to string of arson attacks
Victoria Police is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which has been deemed suspicious.
A police spokesperson said that would include determining whether it has links to other recent fires.
Dozens of tobacco and vape shops, and some gyms and restaurants, have been set alight across Melbourne in recent months as part of a turf war between organised crime and bikie gangs.
The taskforce in charge of investigating the fires yesterday had 28 active arson investigations, which included tobacco stores, vehicles, gyms, restaurants and private addresses.
Victoria Police yesterday said investigators “believe the current situation is as a result of criminal syndicates in conflict due to competition for profit derived from the illicit tobacco market”.
“The current conflict includes both the physical placement of illicit tobacco into stores, as well as demands for stores to sell the syndicate’s illicit product and to pay a ‘tax’ per week to operate,” a spokesperson said on Saturday.
Since October, police have executed about 70 warrants at tobacco stores across the state that were believed to be involved in the sale of illicit tobacco, seizing millions of dollars worth of vapes and cigarettes, as well as other illicit substances.
The cause of the Craigieburn fire is still being investigated, but anyone who witnessed or has footage of the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.