A popular local café has been forced to shut its doors after a suspicious fire broke out in the early hours of Friday morning, 6 June, on Drover St, Sunbury.
Emergency services responded to a fire at the Brown Cow Cafe Rosenthal after a passing Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crew spotted the flames in the building.
“FRV firefighters were on their way back to the fire station just after 1.30am… when they came across a café on fire,” an FRV spokesperson said. “The crew immediately called for back up.”
With support from the Country Fire Authority, crews brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes. Adjoining businesses were affected by smoke and were ventilated by emergency crews. No injuries were reported, and no one was inside the building at the time.
The fire, which is being treated as suspicious, is now under investigation by Victoria Police. A crime scene was established, and an arson chemist attended the scene Saturday 7 June.
“Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the café,” said a police spokesperson. “The investigation remains ongoing.”
Café owners published a brief statement on the company’s Facebook page expressing shock and gratitude for community support.
“We don’t have much to say except for we are just as shocked and disappointed as you are,” the post read. “Please bear with us as we work through this together, and continue to work hard to get back on track. Until further notice, we are closed.”
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
