Cranbourne volunteer firefighters Aaron Piller and Geoff Moloney stand in front of what is left of Dahlsens Building Centre after it was devastated by fire.
By Sarah Schwager
DETECTIVES are investigating a possible arson attack on a Cranbourne timber yard on Tuesday.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews were alerted to the blaze at the Dahlsens Building Centre after the owners arrived about 6am to discover smoke seeping from the front office.
The owners opened the front door of the South Gippsland Highway premises to find the inside of the building engulfed by flames.
It took three fire units about an hour to control the blaze, which destroyed hardware stock and office equipment valued at an estimated $100,000.
Arson Squad detectives will investigate the cause of the fire, which is believed to have been deliberately lit.
A spokesman from Dahlsens Building Centres said the timber yard would continue operating almost as usual.
Deliveries will continue as normal from its other sites at Croydon and Box Hill, and temporary site offices and a lunchroom would be put in by today (Thursday).
He said the only thing missing at this stage was the hardware shop, which was expected to be up and running in a week and a half.
Anyone who has information or saw anything suspicious in the area early on Tuesday morning is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
