Residents living near the old Kinnears rope works in Footscray are demanding something be done about the disused factory after another suspicious fire there last week.
Firefighters were called to the scene on the corner of Ballarat Road and Farnsworth Avenue just after 6.30pm on Tuesday 4 November, following reports of flames and smoke coming from the site.
The fire was brought under control by 7.20pm and then turned over to police who began investigating the fourth suspicious fire at the Kinnears site in the past 18 months.
On 13 July , an abandoned warehouse on the site caught fire, while 12 months earlier, two fires occurred there within the space of two days, on 31 July and 2 August.
All four fires are still being investigated, as are any possible links between them.
In March 2017, three people squatting on the site were murdered when a fire was deliberately lit.
Nearby residents claim the site is used for all-night dance parties that can last until 7am.
Star Weekly understands that eight raves had been held at the site this year alone, with complaints made to police and Maribyrnong council.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police had received several noise complaints about unauthorised gatherings at the factory.
“Generally when police are made aware of a party, regular patrols are conducted of the area to ensure community safety,” the spokesperson said, adding that unauthorised gatherings were ultimately a matter for council.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said illegal activity at the site was a matter for police and that council’s role related to planning and compliance.
“We have engaged with the property owner regarding site security and future development and will keep working with them and relevant authorities to address safety risks as well as to expedite future development on that site,” Cr Tiwari said.
Site owner, 3L Alliance, didn’t respond to requests for comment.
