Mount Compass fire destroys three shops including bakery and butcher

A resident has told how he quickly fled his home nearby after a fire early Saturday morning destroyed three shops in Mount Compass. Police have declared the blaze suspicious.

A Mount Compass resident has told of his terrifying wake-up call in the early hours of Saturday as fire swept through nearby shops, leaving a damage bill of more than $1 million.

Three shops including the Mount Compass Gourmet Country Butchers and Country Picnic Bakery were destroyed after police and MFS attended a shopping complex on Victor Harbor Road about 3.30am. Police declared the fire as suspicious about 3pm.

“We got a ring on a doorbell … and then he banged on the window saying ‘police, police’,”

Raymond Rose, who lives by the shops, said.

“He said the shops are on fire, and I could smell smoke and see smoke everywhere, (and) you’ve got to go.

The blaze destroyed the bakery and butcher shop at a shopping complex on Victor Harbor Road, Mount Compass. Picture Dean Martin

Damage inside one of the shops. Picture: Kitty Barr

“I woke up my stepson who’s got a disability and uses crutches, threw the dog in the car, and we just left - we went across the road and ran out the front and all the shops were on fire.

“It was a pretty rude awakening four o’clock this morning.”

Damage to nearby shops and a home was still being assessed on Saturday morning, including a vacant gift store called Divine Feather which had since moved across the road.

Mount Compass resident Raymond Rose had to flee his home with his disabled stepson and dog Diesel. Picture: Kitty Barr

Police Fire Cause investigators at the Mount Compass bakery on Saturday morning. Picture: Dean Martin

Alexandrina Council mayor Keith Parkes said the fire was “terrible” for the community, with a new development Compass Central recently opened nearby.

“This is a terrible set back … all we can do is help them get it all back together,” he said.

Police Fire Cause investigators attended the scene this morning to determine the cause. Picture: Dean Martin

Mundoo CFS deputy group officer spokesman Tony Ogden said crews attended the scene at 3.29am, with the building already well alight.

“With the help of nine trucks and 40 crew were able to contain the fire to the first three buildings,” he said.

All three shops were completely gutted, with an estimated damage bill of more than $1 million.

Victor Harbor Road was closed for several hours but has since reopened to all traffic.

Anyone with further information on the fire is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Two of the shop owners talk to CFS volunteers at the scene. Picture: Dean Martin