Firefighters put out fire in Grenfell St, Adelaide CBD, after reports of heavy smoke ‘billowing’

An investigation is under way after a fire in a historic office building in the CBD sparked a huge response from firies and led to the closure of a major thoroughfare on Tuesday morning.

The alarm was raised just before 6am on Tuesday morning. Picture: FIVEAA

Firefighters have quickly tackled a fire in a city building after witnesses reported seeing thick dark smoke.

The alarm was raised just before 6am on Tuesday morning with reports of smoke coming from the top of 101-107 Grenfell St, a historic office building that was once Adelaide’s Mail Exchange.

There were reports of thick black smoke. Picture: FIVEAA

Up to 14 appliances rushed to the scene as the alarms rang out.

The MFS later told FIVEAA the fire wasn’t in the roof but in a rubbish collection area and spread to the building’s atrium, but was soon extinguished.

SAPOL said crime scene investigators and detectives were examining the scene, but fortunately the fire only caused a small amount of damage.

One lane of Grenfell St was closed westbound between Pulteney and King William streets but it is business as usual for traffic as of 8am.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.