Emergency services were called to two separate properties in Reservoir, in Melbourne's north, early on Thursday morning. Around 1.55am, crews responded to a fire on Pallant Avenue where two cars had been set alight. Within 20 minutes, they received reports of another car fire at a nearby address on Boldrewood Parade.
Police said there were no injuries, but the cars were completely destroyed. "Crime scenes have been established and the investigation into the circumstances of the incidents is ongoing," police said in a statement. "At this stage, investigators believe the fires are linked."
About 3.45am, crews in Melbourne's south-east were called to a home on Burrapike Avenue in Springvale for a fifth car fire. Eight people were inside the home at the time, but were uninjured. The car parked outside was destroyed, with the home also sustaining minor damage.
One resident of the Springvale home told ABC radio Melbourne they woke to the sounds of popping and loud banging. A neighbour at the scene said he was woken by the commotion and heard the family running out of their home.
The attacks mark the fourth consecutive night of arson in the city. Police have not disclosed a suspected motive or identified any suspects.