A suspected firebombing has left a 23-year-old man with life-threatening burns and triggered a major police hunt after a High Street shop erupted in flames before dawn.
Emergency services were called to The Boss Tobacconist, at 387 High Street, Melton 3337, shortly after 2.50am on Thursday 3 September 2026, following reports the business was engulfed by fire.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Arson and Explosives Squad believe a white single-cab tray ute pulled up outside the premises, before two people allegedly got out and entered the shop. Police allege accelerant was poured inside and ignited, sparking an intense blaze that rapidly consumed the business and threatened neighbouring properties.
But in a dramatic twist, investigators believe both alleged offenders were burned in the fire they are accused of starting.
A badly injured 23-year-old man was found nearby with significant burns – estimated to be 90% of his body. He was airlifted in HEMS to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains fighting for life.
His alleged accomplice had fled before police arrived. Detectives believe the person may have sustained substantial burns to their hands and feet.
No one was inside the store when the blaze broke out.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews arrived within four minutes and found the shop fully involved in fire. The emergency response was immediately escalated as flames threatened adjoining businesses sharing a common roof space.
Twenty firefighters, supported by four pumpers, a rescue unit and another specialist vehicle, fought to stop the flames from spreading through the row of shops.
Crews in breathing apparatus brought the fire under control at 3.12am, but remained at the scene to ensure it was fully extinguished. Assistant Commander David Felmingham was the officer in charge.
Shortly after 3:33am, a separate Triple Zero call reported a vehicle on fire on the Western Highway at Hopetoun Park. Detectives believe the vehicle was connected to the Melton incident and have seized it for forensic examination.
The damaged building had previously housed “Tax Concepts” before changing tenants, becoming The Boss Tobacconist.
The store had attracted several critical online customer reviews in recent months, though police have not linked those complaints to the investigation. Two months ago Cody Marsh submitted his review “Who ever the new owners are or whatever has happened to this place, I do not recommend, the staff are as rude as can be. Will not be wasting my money on this place. Will be getting my Iget One Vape from some where else” Also two months ago another review states “I’m under the impression that the shop is under new management. Unfortunately today dealing with the new manager was an absolute nightmare, very unprofessional with absolutely no customer service skills what so ever, she was very rude and disrespectful. I use to shop here weekly and now I will be going elsewhere “
Detectives are treating the fire as a targeted attack but have not established a motive.
Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the incident underscored the catastrophic and indiscriminate danger of deliberately lit fires.
“We have said repeatedly that deliberately lighting fires comes with immense risk, not only to the broader community but also to the offenders involved.”
“We have also seen incidents where offenders have died as a result of sustaining burns and this remains a very real possibility to happen again with this incident.”
“Fire is uncontrollable and unpredictable and we can only be thankful it’s not an innocent member of the public who has been injured.”
Detective Inspector Murray urged anyone with information to speak to police before another fire causes fatal consequences.
“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.”
Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a white single-cab tray ute travelling in Melton or Hopetoun Park during the early hours of Thursday. Investigators also want to hear from drivers and residents with dash-cam or CCTV footage.
Prominent Australian crime-scene reporter and photographer Lord Murray Schoorman attended the scene on Thursday morning, capturing striking images of the charred High Street shopfront as the arson investigation unfolded.
