A church in Maidstone, a suburb of Melbourne, caught fire during the early hours, prompting swift action from Fire Rescue Victoria. Reports indicated that firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after 1 AM, finding the front section of the single-storey weatherboard building engulfed in flames. Their prompt response allowed them to bring the fire under control within six minutes, preventing major damage to the church despite the blaze affecting both the front wall and roof space.

Police have initiated an investigation into what they suspect may have been a deliberate act, noting that no one was present in the church at the time of the fire. In a significant development, a 36-year-old man from Footscray was arrested in the vicinity shortly after the incident and is expected to be interrogated regarding his potential involvement in the fire. This incident raises concerns over safety in the community and brings forth discussions about church premises being targeted.

The quick response from firefighters and the arrest made by police emphasizes the urgent nature of emergency services in handling such incidents, particularly when there are suspicions of arson. Local authorities hope this incident can be resolved swiftly to provide reassurance to residents while also highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in places of worship.