BREAKING: A fire that erupted at a Bunbury convenience store just before 4 AM has left neighboring businesses devastated and raised alarms about the ongoing illicit vape trade in Western Australia. The blaze, suspected to be linked to escalating turf wars over illegal tobacco and vaping products, has prompted police to treat the incident as suspicious.
Make-up artist Amy Howes, owner of Allure Beauty and Co, expressed her frustration as her salon suffered significant damage from the fire. “They smashed through our front door to be able to fight the fire through the roof, so it was spreading that way,” Howes stated, describing her salon’s destruction as “completely annihilated.”
This incident follows a troubling pattern: the “ThisnThat” convenience and clothing shop has been targeted multiple times in the past year, including a ram-raid and a robbery. Howes believes these attacks stem from an escalating conflict among local businesses involved in the illicit vape trade. “I’m really, really angry,” she said, recalling a previous joke that a firebomb would be the next escalation.
Police are actively investigating the fire and are urging anyone with information or dash-cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers. Despite the ongoing issues, Howes feels powerless, stating, “Our landlords are super sweet, but very trusting. They’re innocent in the fact that they’ve been caught up in it.”
Authorities in Queensland and South Australia have enacted same-day closure orders for shops caught selling illegal tobacco or vapes. Critics accuse the Cook Government of dragging its feet on similar legislation in WA. Health Minister Meredith Hammat acknowledged in Parliament last month that law reform efforts are underway, but did not provide a timeline for implementation. “The work is happening. This Government will be introducing laws to strengthen our vaping and tobacco laws,” she said.
As the community grapples with the fallout, Howes is racing against time to prepare for an upcoming wedding appointment, scrambling to assemble a new hair and make-up kit. “I am grateful that no one was around when the fire erupted, but it shouldn’t have to get to that point before the cops do something or people realize it’s such a bad thing,” Howes remarked, emphasizing the human toll of the ongoing crisis.
With businesses like Howes’ struggling to survive and community safety at risk, the pressure mounts on local authorities to take decisive action. The situation remains fluid, and residents are left wondering when real change will come to address the dangers posed by the illicit vape trade.
For those with information related to the fire or the ongoing illicit activities, please contact Crime Stoppers immediately. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
