Arson squad detectives are investigating a suspicious overnight fire which left a northern suburbs shopping complex completely gutted.
Heartbroken business owners have spoken of their devastation, as arson squad detectives probe a suspicious fire at a northern suburbs shopping centre.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services and WA Police rushed to the scene at the Morley Market on Bishop Street in Morley, about 12.40am on Wednesday.
No one was injured.
The fire has caused extensive damage, with firefighters continuing to fight the blaze.
Dozens of firefighters were still at the scene on Wednesday morning, with thick smoke billowing out of the charred shopping centre.
Almost a dozen businesses — most which are family-owned — were destroyed in the blaze, including T4 bubble tea, Monte Carlo barber, Far East Imports Asian grocery store, HY mobile phone repairs and May Beauty.
Camera IconOvernight fire at Morley Market. Credit: Supplied
Bishop Street Newsagency’s Peter Nguyen said the inferno had destroyed his store.
“We have been in business here for 20 years and have lost everything in this disaster,” he said in a social media post.
Alice, whose mother has owned May Beauty for the past three years, said she received the devastating news about 3am on Wednesday.
“I’m really saddened … I want to find out who did this,” she said.
“Hopefully locals will continue to support us when we reopen.”
Morley local Karl described the incident as a “devastating”.
“It’s terrible, it’s finished, there’s no rebuilding here,” he said.
“They’re going to have to flip it and rebuild.”
Camera IconOvernight fire at Morley Market.
Credit: Supplied
He said the complex was owned by about a dozen separate shop owners.
“As far as I understand, there are about 12 individual families that own (the shops) … they won’t be back anytime soon,” he said.
Morley MP Amber-Jade Sanderson said the fire was “devastating”.
“They have been the heart of our town centre long before Galleria came along,” she said.
Camera IconGEN Morley Market after overnight fire. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Autralian
“There are many small businesses who have been there for decades and my thoughts are with them.”
A meeting for Morley Market business owners will be held at Morley Public Library at 9am on Wednesday.
A DFES incident control vehicle has also been set up at Morley Galleria, directly across the road from the Morley Market.
Smoke is continuing to blow in areas bound by Morley Drive, Crimea Street, Walter Road West, Bishop Street and Lennard Street in the City of Bayswater and City of Stirling.
“As a precautionary measure, people in the area should remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed,” a DFES spokesperson said.
Camera IconGEN Morley Market after overnight fire. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Autralian
A number of roads including Bishop Street and Progress Street have been closed.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Police urge anyone with information, CCTV, mobile phone, or dash-cam vision relating to the fire, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au