Arson Investigation Continues After Sixth Fire at Williamstown Ice Cream Shop

Williamstown, Victoria – Authorities are investigating a suspicious fire that gutted Capriccio gelateria on Nelson Place in Williamstown early Sunday morning, marking the sixth arson attack targeting ice cream shops along the popular shopping strip in the past three and a half years. The blaze is the second in Melbourne’s west in just over 24 hours.

Details of the Fire

Emergency services responded to reports of flames engulfing Capriccio gelateria at approximately 3:45 am on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Twenty-five firefighters worked for around 50 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Initial reports indicated concerns for residents in an apartment above the shop, but firefighters confirmed the residence was unoccupied and undergoing renovations. The Age reported extensive fire damage to the shop and smoke damage to the upper-level residence.

Senior station officer Matthew Kerr of Fire Rescue Victoria stated that crews did an “exceptional job of protecting the surrounding properties from any fire spread.” Kerr also confirmed another recent fire in the area, but details were not immediately available.

Pattern of Arson Attacks

Nelson Place has become a hotspot for arson attacks, with six fires deliberately lit at ice cream shops since late 2022. In April 2024, Willi Homemade Icecream &amp. Acai, located next door to Capriccio, was targeted. Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt, just 100 meters away, was repeatedly firebombed in late 2023. Capriccio gelateria was previously targeted by arsonists in January 2024.

Related Incident in Tarneit

The Williamstown fire followed a similar incident at Gelateria On the Docks in Tarneit on Saturday morning, where the shop sustained significant damage. Police have arrested two 17-year-old boys from the Greater Dandenong area in connection with the Tarneit blaze, charging them with aggravated burglary and criminal damage by fire. One of the boys was hospitalized after being bitten by a police dog during a pursuit. 9News reported on the arrest.

Investigation Underway

Police are investigating Sunday morning’s fire, and arson chemists are combing the burnt-out shopfront for evidence. Taskforce Lunar, the Victoria Police unit focused on the state’s tobacco war, investigated the 2024 blaze at Capriccio.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage, or CCTV footage related to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestopersvic.com.au.