Authorities are investigating a suspicious fire at a Perth shopping centre, marking the second such incident in just 24 hours and fuelling fears of an escalating conflict within the state's illicit tobacco trade.
Second Blaze in 24 Hours
Emergency services were called to a business on Illawarra Crescent within the Ballajura City Shopping Centre around 4am on Thursday, 15 January 2026. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, with damage to the building described as minimal.
The incident follows a similar fire at a tobacco shop in Huntingdale the previous morning, prompting a coordinated police response. Detectives from the serious and organised crime division attended the Ballajura scene as part of the investigation.
Taskforce Maverick Takes Lead
The investigation is being led by Taskforce Maverick, a specialist police unit established by WA Police on November 24 specifically to tackle a spate of criminal damage by fire attacks across the metropolitan area.
In an official statement, police confirmed their belief that these incidents are connected to the illegal tobacco market. "Inquiries indicate these incidents are linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Western Australia," the statement read.
Community Urged to Come Forward
The back-to-back fires have heightened concerns about public safety and organised crime activity. Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to make contact.
Key details from the investigation include:
- The fire occurred at the Ballajura City Shopping Centre in the early hours of Thursday.
- It is the second suspected arson attack on a business in the Perth area within a single day.
- The specialist Taskforce Maverick is leading the probe, linking the crimes to the illicit tobacco trade.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.
