Business have been left gutted and owners’ livelihoods destroyed after a blaze at Coorparoo in the early hours. It’s understood the fire began in a liquor store, before it quickly spread across the entire complex.

Georgie Hewson reports.

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A fire burning out of control.

As flames leapt into the sky.

Firefighters rushed to the scene at Coorparoo Shopping square.

But little could be done to save these businesses, already well alight.

Mark Burchard, Acting Inspector of Roma Street Command: “On arrival the first crew found that the fire was extensive and was running through the roof space on the shops, resulting in the shops being fully involved. At this stage the fire is still under investigation.”

Locals left devastated by blaze.

Vox 1: “Woke up this morning, looked out the windows and saw the smoke. Didn’t hear any sirens which was unusual for us and then we went for our morning walk and were just devastated. It’s so sad to see.”

Vox 2: “Yeah, it was pretty sad but hopefully everyone’s okay and they get everything back.”

Vox 3: “I feel really sorry for the guy running the tailor shop. He was a refugee and was trying to make a go of it in Australia and he’s got nothing now.”

The shopping centre is now likely to be demolished as investigations into cause of the fire continue.

For many of the small businesses that once thrived in the complex, the long process to rebuild will be a devastating blow to their livelihood.

Vox 4: “I can’t believe this. This is such a huge big fire.”

Georgie Hewson, QUT News.