Detectives seek answers after four fires at old Maribyrnong munitions factory

Buildings were damaged and homes evacuated during a series of suspicious fires at an old munitions site in Melbourne’s west.

Police are appealing for information after a buildings at a former munitions factory site were destroyed by four “suspiciously lit” fires over a 23 day period.

A large grassfire at the heritage-listed site in Maribyrnong, which was used to produce munitions during World War II, was first reported on New Year’s Day, taking firefighters more than eight hours to bring under control.

The fire damaged and destroyed several buildings at the site and a number of nearby homes had to be evacuated, a police spokeswoman said.

“The nearby area was smouldering and at risk of reigniting for several days after the incident,” she said.

Dozens of firefighters battled the large grassfire in Maribyrnong on January 1, 2022. Picture: Josie Hayden

Just 10 days later another fire was reported at the rear of the facility along the Maribyrnong River about 6.55pm on January 10.

Firefighters were quick to extinguish the blaze which was later deemed suspicious, prompting an investigation.

Two further fires were reported about 11.44am on January 16 and 4.40pm on January 23 at the property along Cordite Ave and were extinguished without incident.

The Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives form the Maribyrnong crime unit were investigating the blazes to see if the incidents were linked.

Smoke was visible across metropolitan Melbourne as a large area of grassland and several buildings were destroyed in the January 1, 2022, blaze. Picture: David Geraghty

“Police have been working closely with the site owners who are increasing security presence on site and enhancing CCTV in the area,” she said.

The spokeswoman asked for anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact Crime Stoppers.
The heritage-listed site was first established in 1908 and served as a major explosives and armaments manufacturer operated by the Department of Defence until it’s closure in 2000.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au