Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are investigating a fire at two tobacco shops in Springvale that occurred overnight.
It is believed that the offenders arrived at the Buckingham Avenue stores just before 2am on Thursday 9 January in a white Toyota Hiace van.
The exact circumstances around the incident are still being established, however two neighbouring stores were set alight before the offenders left the scene.
No one was physically harmed during the fire.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks from Taskforce Lunar said that in the early hours of 9 January, “we saw 20 residential properties evacuated as a result of this fire”.
“That’s 20 homes filled with innocent people who potentially could have lost their lives as a result of this reckless act.
“We have been clear since these arson attacks started that it is only a matter of time before someone is killed directly because of one of these fires.
“Today we are very lucky but next time we may not be,” he said.
A resident of one of the apartments above the stores called triple zero with police and Fire Rescue Victoria attending shortly after.
An aerosol chemist attended the scene this morning and it is understood the building has sustained significant structural damage.
Inspector Banks added that they have a “large number of people who have had to find somewhere else to stay and will be anxiously waiting to hear what damage their homes sustained”.
“It’s not fair and it’s not acceptable and we are doing everything we can to find those responsible for both lighting and directing the fire.
“If there is anyone out there who witnessed the fire or has any information at all about who is responsible, then I urge those people to come forward and tell us before this happens again with potentially fatal consequences,” he said.
Investigators also believe an attempted arson at the same stores on 7 October last year is also linked.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au
