Doncaster East bargain shop blaze deemed “suspicious” after 50 firefighters control flames and smoke

The owners of a gift shop, butcher and bakery at the Tunstall Square Shopping Centre in Doncaster East are surveying the damage from a blaze that tore through a $2 shop and damaged adjoining businesses last night.

What happened: Fire Rescue Victoria crews arrived on scene at Incredible Gifts at about 9pm on Tuesday, later escalating the response due to the presence of flames and large plumes of smoke coming from the rear of the building.

• After donning breathing apparatus and using hose lines, firefighters fought the fire from both inside and outside the shop.

• Flames and smoke damage impacted adjoining businesses, including Bakers Delight and the Mauro Brothers Butcher Shop.

• Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were also on-scene to assist.

• A total of 50 firefighters worked to control the blaze across a number of units, including seven pumpers, one rescue unit and one aerial unit.

Cause unknown: Victoria Police have deemed the incident as suspicious, with a crime scene established, an arson chemist expected to attend and an investigation into its cause underway.

• A spokesperson for Victoria Police said there “doesn’t appear to be any links” to other incidents.