Welshpool fire: Arson squad called to investigate car yard blaze that caused extensive damage to 20 vehicles

Police are investigating whether a fire that tore a Welshpool car repair yard on Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to almost 20 vehicles and sending thick smoke across Perth’s inner eastern suburbs, was an arson attack. The intense fire melted rubber from wheels, left the shells of multiple cars charred and burnt and blackened the front wall of the Speedline auto repair and Ecu tune services business. Among the mess left behind was a red muscle car that had its bonnet melted down to the engine, while the back of a BMW station wagon was left in a state of ruin and a Hino truck took extensive damage to its rear. Other vehicles were already damaged wrecks, it appears. A total of 17 firefighting appliances raced to reports of a fire near the intersection of Colin Jamieson Drive and Pilbara Street just after 5.30am. They brought the blaze under control by 6am but not before the flames had licked a significant number of vehicles. The intersection was left riddled with black ash from the fire. Police on Sunday morning blocked the entry to Colin Jamieson Drive while arson and forensic officers investigated the scene. A large hole cut in the front fence was noticeable. Access to the industrial area has since reopened, but the cause remains undetermined. The business’ sign was also damaged in the blaze.