A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in northwest Melbourne has been completely destroyed after a suspicious fire tore through a three-story warehouse complex just after midnight. The blaze, which authorities are treating as a targeted attack, also devastated a Genesis Health and Fitness facility located on the upper level of the building.
According to sources, residents in the area reported hearing what sounded like a b*mb going off as flames engulfed the structure. Dozens of firefig hters responded to the scene, which left behind blackened, charred remains and melted gym equipment scattered throughout the facility.
Andrew McCormack, reporting from the scene for Sunrise, described the devastation: “This Jiu-Jitsu gym and a Genesis Health and Fitness on the top level there of this three-story warehouse here absolutely completely destroyed. You can see just the blackened charred remains. A lot of the other gym equipment inside there completely melted.”
Police are investigating whether the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym or the Genesis Health and Fitness was the intended target of the arson attack. The incident becomes even more concerning given that another Genesis gym location in Taylors Lakes, approximately 20 minutes west in Melbourne’s western suburbs, was similarly targeted just days earlier on Tuesday morning.
Authorities are exploring potential links between the two incidents and other previous fire attacks in Melbourne.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. However, the financial toll is substantial. Reporters estimated the damage bill could reach nearly a million dollars when accounting for the destroyed equipment and the complete loss of two business operations.
The investigation remains ongoing as police and fire authorities work to determine the exact cause of the blaze and identify those responsible.
Local business owners in the area are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities as the investigation continues.
