Investigators are closing in on arsonists wanted over two fire attacks that caused more than $25 million worth of damage to businesses selling blinds.
The fires affected the livelihoods of more than 100 employees who work for the two factories in Melbourne's east, which have only been able to operate in a limited capacity for several months.
Several men deliberately lit the fires just over a week apart from each other over the Christmas break, according to Victoria Police.
CCTV footage shows a group in a car pulled up outside a business at Bayswater, in Melbourne's east, and set it alight in the early hours of December 23, 2024, with bright orange flames engulfing the entire building within minutes.
A band of men then targeted a factory in the nearby suburb of Kilsyth at 3am on New Year's Day.
Multiple figures in hoodies with their faces covered were caught on CCTV pouring liquid from jerry cans before the fire took hold.
It's believed the blazes are linked due to similarities such as the time of day, what they make and a family connection between the businesses, Victoria Police Detective Inspector Glen Cruse said.
"There is a deliberate disregard for the safety of anyone who may have been located in those factories," he told reporters on Wednesday.
The owners have tried to relocate the businesses but are unable to operate as normal just yet, he said.
"It's devastating and it's not just the owners that are affected by the fires, there's over 100 employees that are employed between both businesses," Det Insp Cruse added.
Investigators have urged anyone with information about the attacks, cars involved or with footage of what happened to come forward immediately.
A blue 2012 Toyota Camry seen near the Bayswater fire was discovered abandoned at a park, while a white 2016 Toyota Prado 4WD and a white 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse seen near the second fire were later found burnt out.
