By Christine de Kock
ARSONISTS set fire to an industrial waste bin outside the Braybrook Salvation Army store on Sunday, at 2.25am, which spread to the store and resulted in $100,000 damage.
Major Merv Lincoln, general secretary for Salvation Army stores, said all the clothing in the store was ruined by smoke, and most of the furniture and bric-a-brac was destroyed by fire.
“Setting fire to a bin might seem like a fun thing to do,” he said.
“But people in the community donated these items for people in need, which has all been ruined by smoke.
“We will feel the effect of this damage right across the board.”
The store will be closed until the building can be assessed, repainted and refitted.
“In the next few weeks, people in the community who usually use the store will be inconvenienced, and there will be no income from the store for other works in the community,” Major Lincoln said.
Police believed rubbish was also placed against the bottom of the rear roller door of the store and set alight.
The heat from the fire in the metal skip and at the rear door is believed to have ignited clothing in the back of the store, causing the fire to then spread to the storage area of the rest of the building.
Firefighters from Footscray and Sunshine attended the blaze.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
