Inspection Details
- Location: Commercial Shops, Southeast Melbourne
- Reason for Attendance: Arson Attack – Major Fire Damage & Emergency Make-Safe
Event Summary
Following an arson attack that severely damaged two adjoining commercial shops, our team was engaged to carry out urgent make-safe works. The fire caused extensive structural and water damage, requiring immediate exclusion zones, debris removal, and coordination with multiple stakeholders including police, building managers, and restoration teams.
Cause of Damages
- Fire damage resulting from a deliberate arson attack
- Both shops sustained major loss, with internal structures, flooring, and utilities compromised
- No underlying maintenance issues were identified
Damage Assessment
- Complete burn-out of two commercial shops
- Water damage to internal walls and timber flooring
- Damaged plumbing affecting water supply to apartments above
- Safety hazards from fire-damaged eve cladding and unsecured entry points
- Fire door damage identified in multiple residential units
Works Completed
- Established exclusion zones with temporary fencing around both shops
- Coordinated with police, Owners Corporation, and The Scotia Group representatives to plan safe execution
- Ordered and filled multiple skip bins (3×10 m³, 2×10 m³, 1×18 m³) for debris removal
- Stripped out Shop 25B and Shop 23B, including removal of internal walls, timber floors, and fire-damaged materials
- Installed temporary framing walls and boarded up entrances with ply for security
- Repaired and replaced door handles for 5 units, including lock boxes
- Braced and secured rear car park doors with timber and bolt locks
- Removed hoarding and installed custom temporary doors with coded locks
- Inspected and documented fire door damage in five apartment units for replacement
- Pressure-washed and cleaned footpaths; reopened public access in coordination with traffic management
- Scoped and tarped bin areas to prevent unauthorised access
Outcome
- Site secured and made safe for trades and public access
- Full strip-out of both shops completed
- Plumbing and water supply restored to affected apartments
- Fire door replacements scoped and scheduled
- Footpaths reopened and site returned to safe operational condition
