Highfields fire: One person killed in home, bakery blaze

Police have confirmed a man is dead following a massive fire behind a popular bakery near Toowoomba this morning.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Lowe at the scene of a fatal house fire in Highfields on March 7, 2024.

Early morning patrons at the Duo Bakery and Cafe were the first people to alert authorities after a fire took hold in the dwelling attached to the Highfields business.

District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Andrew Lowe said staff and customers notice the flames and evacuated the New England Highway structure shortly after 6am.

But despite their quick thinking a 45-year-old man died in the flames.

It is understood the man was known to police.

“The fire has occurred in the rear of the building and there was only person home at the time,” Senior Sergeant Lowe said.

“We are still conducting our investigations.

“Any of investigation of this nature, including where a person has passed away, involved an investigation by police and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.”

Initial investigations indicate the fire was not suspicious.

The bakery’s owner took to social media to thank the community for its support.

“Thank you for all the messages and check in’s we have had,” the statement said.

“There has been a fire in the house adjoining to the bakery. All the staff shaken but are OK. “How extensive the damage is we are yet to find out.

“Thank you for your patience and well wishes while we try to figure the next steps and time frame to reopen.”

The news has shattered the local community.

Emma Cannon described it as “absolutely heartbreaking news”.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Lowe at the scene of a fatal house fire in Highfields on March 7, 2024.

Lynese Whitby said it was “awful” while Tony Stevenson said the baking community was small enough already without “losing someone like this”.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Inspector Stewart Dundas said four fire crews attended the scene and brought it under control quickly.

“On arrival we found fire coming from the rear of the commercial-residential structure,” he said.

“Crews were quick into action to with an internal attack.

“We were able to extinguish the fire and will work with police scene of crime officers to investigate the cause.

Inspector Dundas said fire was contained to the home at the rear of the structure.

“It was a well-developed fire into the rear of the home but no fire went into the bakery,” he said.

“There might be some smoke damage in the bakery.”

A man has died after a fire broke out in a home behind a Highfields bakery on March 7, 2024.

Online advertisements for the bakery show the Highfields property recently listed for sale for $1.25m.

Advertisements state a passing net income of $46,000 from the bakery and a residential tenancy for the 7689sq m property.

“Secure tenant covenant to Duo Bakery until December 2025,” a commercial real estate advertisement from February states.

“The ease of access from the Highway to the premises and the well-known and respected food offerings provide the bakery with a steady stream of customers with many travellers and locals stopping by on a daily basis.

“A high-profile site that provides the flexibility of holding income with the potential to owner occupy or redevelop.

“Neat and tidy 3-bedroom residential dwelling rented at $400 per week until July 2024.

“Large vacant warehouse with a small office at the rear which was previously utilized as an indoor swim school which could be repurposed. Plans provided to renovate existing fixtures to include a Gym or sports centre.”

A man has died after a fire broke out in a home behind a Highfields bakery on March 7, 2024.