Building fire in Upwey deemed suspicious

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By Derek Schlennstedt

A fire in Upwey Main Street at the old Upwey motors site is considered suspicious and is being investigated.

On 18 June, an advice warning was put in place warning residents of smoke from the fire.

A CFA spokesperson told the Mail that three CFA units attended a small fire in the rear of an abandoned mechanics workshop at 3:53pm on 18 June.

The fire was deemed under control at 4pm, and police were on scene to manage traffic.

It’s understood that the advice message was put out for residents to monitor conditions and for those who are sensitive to smoke to close the windows.

Detective Senior Constable Andrew Austin at Yarra Ranges CIU said police are investigating the cause.

“At this stage the fire was deemed suspicious,” he said.

“At this stage the building is an abandoned business premises.

“It appears that there may have been people squatting at the location.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Yarra Ranges CIU on 9739 2300