By Jena Carr
The Torquay community has rallied behind businesses that were affected by a fire that broke out in the late hours of Sunday night.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews were called to a restaurant fire on Gilbert Street at 11.22pm on Sunday, April 14, which has since destroyed six shops.
Italo’s Wood Fired Pizza, McCartney Real Estate, Looop, Silver and Sea jewellery store, Romy Photography studio and Imelda’s Boutique were affected.
Ryans IGA Torquay, located along Gilbert Street near where the fire broke out, told the Independent that members of the store cooked some food for first responders while they attended to the fire.
A CFA spokesperson said the fire was brought under control at 3am on Monday, April 15, and declared safe at 8.16am.
“Firefighters found the shop well alight and it was spreading to neighbouring buildings in the shopping strip,” they said.
“CFA had 13 vehicles on scene supported by FRV crews. Four CFA vehicles remain on scene.
“Firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire to the supermarket behind the shops…the cause is unknown and will be investigated later today (April 15).
“A woman living above a neighbouring unaffected shop was assessed by Ambulance Victoria on scene.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said a crime scene has since been established with an arson chemist due to attend the scene.
“The fire caused significant damage when it caught alight about 11.30pm…an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire remains ongoing,” they said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Romy Photography, which does not have insurance to cover damage costs due to the recent lack of demand for photos and cost of living pressures.
Visit gofundme.com/f/romy-photographer-devastated-shop-lossed-to-fire?qid=20fd8aa27e23b6ac8f5430f1fd0d2fb4 to donate.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestopersvic.com.au.
