‘Devastated’: Alice Springs business destroyed in huge fire

A ferocious blaze has engulfed an Alice Springs business, destroying everything inside and leaving its owner devastated.

An Alice Springs business owner has been left devastated after a huge blaze engulfed his business, destroying everything inside the building.

Residents were told to stay inside as emergency services tried to control the enormous fire that broke out at Alice Hosetech Industrial Supplies on George St at about 6.10am on Friday.

An NT Fire and Rescue Services (NTFRS) spokesman said crews found the building “fully engulfed in flames” and responded quickly to contain the fire to the main building, which sustained extensive damage.

“There have been no reported injuries at this stage,” a spokesman said.

“The fire is still burning, and NTFRS crews will remain on scene to bring it under control.

“NT Police and St John (Ambulance) also attended the scene.”

An industrial building was destroyed in Alice Springs after it became engulfed by a huge blaze in Alice Springs.

Videos capturing the ferocious blaze have been posted to social media, showing several explosions could be heard inside the building as flames soared through the air.

One person commented: “Wow that’s one hell of a fire … hope everyone is OK … feel for the people that has lost there (sic) business.”

Business owner Andrew Mowles said he was devastated when he started receiving calls about the fire early on Friday morning.

“Yeah, just devastated - the town relies on us, I’ve got 18 people I have to try and work out what I’m going to do with,” he said.

“It’s not just me, it’s the town and my staff. I’m already thinking, ‘What I can do?’ - there’s no manual for this stuff.

“My staff are all shocked. We’ve sent most of them home and we said, ‘We’ll let you know what’s going on’.”

Hosetech on George St in Alice Springs was destroyed by a huge fire on Friday.

Emergency services responded quickly to contain the blaze to the main building.

Mr Mowles said they saved all of their trucks from the fire, but nothing was left standing inside the building and it would take time before they could resume full trade.

“Police have got the scene for two or three days, they are going to work out how it started,” he said.

“Hopefully people can just stick by us, and we can get back to service as quick as we can.

“I’ve had lots of support messages, so hopefully they can just bear with us while we it turn it around. That’s all we can do.”

Roads in the area have been closed while NTFRS crews bring the blaze under control and investigate the cause of the fire.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter said members of the public should avoid the area.

“If you live or are working in the vicinity of the fire, please stay inside with your windows and doors closed where possible and avoid any outdoor activities.”

Originally published as ‘Devastated’: Alice Springs business destroyed in huge fire