Suspicious Fire Rocks Canberra Legal District
Authorities in the Australian capital are investigating what appears to be a targeted fire-bomb attack on a prominent law firm's offices in the heart of Canberra. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, sending emergency services rushing to the central business district.
Early Morning Attack Details
The fire broke out before dawn on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in a nine-storey office building located on Farrell Place, just off Marcus Clarke Street. ACT Emergency Services responded with two fire engines after receiving emergency calls just before 5am.
According to police statements and witness accounts, the perpetrator smashed a window at the premises of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law before throwing a flammable object inside in an apparent attempt to set the building alight. Those at the scene described the method as a classic firebombing attack.
ACT Police have officially declared the fire suspicious and have cordoned off the area around the office block as their investigation continues. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported and no evacuations were necessary from the building.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Investigators are now seeking public assistance to piece together the events leading up to the attack. In an official statement, police asked for anyone who witnessed vehicles or people in the vicinity of Farrell Place between Marcus Clarke Street and London Circuit before 5am to come forward.
Authorities are particularly interested in determining whether the attacker had a specific motive targeting the family law firm specifically. The nature of the attack suggests it was deliberate rather than random vandalism.
Police have provided a dedicated reference number, P2397791, and are directing potential witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers through their official website. The investigation remains active as forensic teams examine the scene for evidence.
