Fire at IN2 Performance gym in Noble Park North now treated as non suspicious

The investigation into a horror blaze at a gym in Melbourne’s south east is now being treated as non suspicious following careful examination from an arson chemist.

The investigation into a horror blaze at a gym in Melbourne’s south east has changed focus following careful examination from an arson chemist on scene this afternoon.

Victoria Police confirmed the fire, which mostly destroyed In2 Performance in Noble Park North, was now being treated as non suspicious.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing,” a spokeswoman said.

It comes after video emerged of black smoke billowing out of a room inside the gym late yesterday evening.

Emergency services were called to the popular cross training gym at about 11:20pm on Tuesday.

Firefighters had to contend with thick “black smoke and flames” that had engulfed the property.

As a result of the blaze, crews weren’t able to conduct a primary search inside the building, but were able to account for everyone inside at the time.

It is understood power had to be cut off to high voltage power lines while crews battled the inferno.

All that remained of gym on Wednesday morning was a burnt out husk of a building.

Photos from those at the scene show just how involved the building was during the blaze. Picture: Supplied

Police at the scene on Wednesday morning. Picture: David Crosling

Emergency services were called to the gym about 11:20pm Tuesday. Picture: David Crosling

A spokesperson for the gym said its owners and employees had been left devastated by the blaze.

“The gym caught on fire tonight and therefore will be closed until we know the state of the building,” a statement posted on social media said.

“No words can describe how it feels to see all the hard work we all put as a team, to make this facility what it is, go up in flames.

“We will be back stronger than ever before.”

Earlier on Wednesday, members and staff were seen embracing outside the property, with one member telling the Herald Sun the fire was “gut wrenching”.

The gym offered powerlifting, CrossFit, strength and conditioning classes. Picture: Supplied

Police are treating the fire as non suspicious. Picture: David Crosling

While Tuesday night’s blaze is now being treated as non suspicious, it follows a series of suspected arson attacks on other gyms in the south east.

Skamma Gym in Narre Warren was last month razed by fire in the second attack on that business this year.

Fire completely gutted the gym after a van was driven through it and set alight.

That gym’s former owner, Clay Auimatagi, survived a shooting ambush outside the building in 2015.

Mr Auimatagi was a previous ally of former Comanchero boss Mick Murray.

Hallam’s notorious Nitro Gym was also torched in June which led to anti-bikie police joining the arson probe.

The Princes Highway joint was previously owned by Murray and has previously been subject to a string of police raids and drive-by shootings.

Comanchero bikies often use the gym as a meeting point for their national runs.

Fighters XPress in Dandenong was also torched in 2023 after it was revealed one of their personal trainers was closely linked to former Sydney Comanchero Tarek Zahed.

A Caulfield North gym formerly owned by Avi Yemini was also hit by arson in a suspected hate crime in January.