Morley Market Fire Leaves Community Reeling
The Morley Market, a long-standing shopping hub in Perth’s north-east, has been left in ruins after a massive fire tore through the complex overnight. Flames were first reported around 12:30 in the morning, and within hours the entire market building, spanning about 5,000 square metres, was engulfed. More than 120 firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the scene, working desperately to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading to nearby properties. Their efforts were successful in that sense, but the market itself could not be saved.
By the time the fire was brought under control, the roof had collapsed and most, if not all, of the small businesses inside were gone. These weren’t just shops—they were decades-old, family-run stores that had been at the heart of the community for generations. From fruit and veg stalls to nail salons, jewellers, sewing machine services, and even a large Chinese restaurant, the market was known for its eclectic mix of outlets. For locals, it was more than just a shopping centre—it was a community hub.
Also Read:In the immediate aftermath, confusion surrounded the cause of the fire. Early on, there were strong suggestions it might have been deliberately lit, but by the afternoon, police confirmed that no criminal activity was involved. The blaze has now been declared non-suspicious, though investigators are still trying to pinpoint exactly what caused it. For business owners, however, the cause matters far less than the reality: their livelihoods have been wiped out overnight.
People who had poured years of work into their shops stood in shock as they watched their life’s investment vanish in smoke. One shop owner described the scenes as “hellish,” while another said simply, “we have lost everything.” Some have already turned to online fundraising, hoping the community can help them rebuild. Many admitted they had no insurance, which makes the devastation even harder to process.
The City of Bayswater has stepped in by setting up a recovery hub at the local library, offering support services, translators, and connections to the Department of Communities. The mayor called the fire a heartbreaking blow, especially for small operators who formed the multicultural fabric of the market. For locals, the market was a familiar landmark, dating back nearly 70 years, even before the Galleria shopping centre was built. Its destruction marks the end of an era.
Smoke warnings remain in place, and residents are being urged to stay away from the site. But beyond the physical damage, the emotional toll is only just beginning to set in. Families who spent decades building community connections now face the daunting task of starting over. For many in Morley, the market wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a part of their identity. And today, that identity feels lost in the ashes.
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