A major fire at the Forty Winks Nunawading furniture showroom on Whitehorse Road is being treated as suspicious, with authorities suspecting arson. The blaze, which broke out early Sunday morning at around 2:21 a.m., prompted the evacuation of approximately 30 nearby residents and required the intervention of around 100 firefighters.

Fire Response and Impact

Fire crews worked tirelessly for over five hours to control the fire and manage the thick smoke emanating from the two-story building. The fire spread rapidly to an adjacent building, adding to the challenge. Concerns about the structural integrity of the building forced firefighters to withdraw from interior operations and focus on external containment.

By mid-afternoon, hotspots were still being tackled with the help of drones. While the city-bound lanes of Whitehorse Road reopened at 1:40 p.m., authorities were unable to enter the building for further investigation due to safety concerns.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Jamie Hansen noted the fire’s intensity was exacerbated by the building’s contents, including mattresses and flammable materials from an adjacent paint workshop.

Community and Business Impact

The Nunawading Forty Winks showroom, a family-run business for nearly 40 years, sustained significant damage. A spokesperson for Forty Winks emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the McDermott family and their employees during this challenging time.

At least six businesses operating from offices on the upper floor of the showroom, including an IT firm and a corporate body management company, were also affected.

Residents in the vicinity, including Sue Drake, recounted harrowing experiences. Ms. Drake described explosions and towering flames mere meters from her property. She alerted emergency services after noticing the fire and was subsequently evacuated along with other residents to a nearby park and later relocated to a McDonald’s on Whitehorse Road.

Additional Investigations

Victoria Police are investigating the Nunawading fire, with the building expected to remain inaccessible until at least Sunday evening. Authorities are also probing another suspicious blaze that occurred overnight at Kennard’s Self Storage in Port Melbourne. That fire, initially sparked in grass and shrubbery near the West Gate Freeway, spread to the exterior of the storage facility but was brought under control within hours.

Firefighter Challenges

The Nunawading fire highlighted significant risks posed by flammable materials within the building. According to Mr. Hansen, the fire advanced swiftly due to “an excessive fuel load,” necessitating immediate evacuation of firefighters from the structure. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to dense smoke and the proximity of firefighting operations to their homes.

Looking Forward

The incidents have raised concerns about fire safety and the need for preventive measures in commercial and residential areas. As investigations continue, affected communities and businesses are focusing on recovery and rebuilding.