Police are treating a fire that severely damaged a childcare centre in Perth's northern suburbs as suspicious, with the arson squad taking charge of the investigation.
The blaze erupted at the Nurture Through Nature childcare facility on Truarn Street in Balga around 2:30am on Tuesday morning, causing significant damage to the building and sending shockwaves through the local community.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Fire and Emergency Services crews rushed to the scene after multiple emergency calls reported flames visible from the single-storey building. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
The childcare centre sustained substantial damage to its structure and interior, with early estimates suggesting the cost of repairs will run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, no children or staff were present at the time of the incident, as the centre was closed overnight.
Police Investigation Developments
WA Police have confirmed that one person is currently assisting with their enquiries into the suspicious fire. The arson squad has taken control of the investigation, examining the scene for evidence and working to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Detectives are treating the fire as deliberately lit and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Police are particularly interested in speaking with residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Truarn Street area during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Forensic officers have conducted a thorough examination of the scene, collecting evidence that will be analysed as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have also been reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding properties.
Community Impact and Response
The destruction of the childcare facility has left parents and local residents devastated. Many families who rely on the centre for childcare services are now facing uncertainty about alternative arrangements.
Local residents expressed shock and anger at the deliberate targeting of a facility dedicated to children's care and education. The Nurture Through Nature centre was known in the community for its nature-based learning approach and had built strong relationships with local families.
Community leaders have condemned the attack, emphasising the importance of childcare facilities as essential community infrastructure. Support services are being coordinated to assist affected families and staff members.
The management of Nurture Through Nature is working with authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the future of the facility. They have promised to communicate with affected families as soon as more information becomes available.
Police continue to urge anyone with information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers, assuring the community that all information will be treated confidentially.
