They dropped off cars to be fixed – now they're stuck in a crime scene

A devastating fire has engulfed a mechanic shop in Perth, obliterating over a dozen vehicles awaiting repairs.

The arson squad is currently examining the possibility that an intruder broke in and deliberately set the fire.

Fifteen cars were caught in the inferno as five fire engines sped to Speedline Auto Repair located on Colin Jamieson Drive in Welshpool around 5:45 a.m. today.

Fifteen vehicles fed the flames as five fire trucks rushed to Speedline Auto Repair on Colin Jamieson Drive in Welshpool on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (9News)

“Firefighters accessed the site through the front gate and directed a stream of water to create a barrier between the cars and the building, preventing the fire from spreading further,” explained Ben Borrett, a district officer with the Perth fire station.

While the workshop itself sustained minimal damage, 14 vehicles, among them a Volvo and a BMW, were completely destroyed.

Additionally, a refrigerated truck belonging to an on-site storage facility was also consumed by the blaze.

The business owners, who 9News understands were not insured, were distraught today.

“Yeah I think they’re a bit shaken up,” Borrett said.

Fifteen vehicles fed the flames as five fire trucks rushed to Speedline Auto Repair on Colin Jamieson Drive in Welshpool on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (9News)

“Not the best phone call to receive at 6am in the morning.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined but the arson squad is investigating  after finding a large hole cut into the business’ fence. 

The cars are now trapped in a crime scene, their owners waiting to see whether they’re covered for the damage.

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