A blaze at Gilbert St, Torquay has caused significant damage to shops

Six businesses have been destroyed in a fire in Torquay, with the blaze not thought to be suspicious. SEE THE VIDEO

Six shops were destroyed in a major fire in Torquay on Sunday night.

The blaze tore through McCartney Real Estate, wool and fabric shop Looop, and Italo’s Wood Fired Pizza, Silver and Sea jewellery store, Romy Photography studio and Imelda’s Boutique on Gilbert St.

About 60 firefighters from Geelong and the Surf Coast battled the fire, which began in the restaurant and spread to five other businesses.

The Country Fire Authority said the cause of the fire was not believed to be suspicious but investigations were expected to take some time due to the extent of the damage.

Emergency services were called to a fire at Gilbert St just before 11.30pm Sunday.

A combustible cladding extreme fire risk was issued at 11.23pm and firefighters worked for more than three hours to get the fire under control.

Firefighters attend the scene where multiple properties were destroyed by fire in Gilbert Street, Torquay. Picture: Brad Fleet

A spokesperson from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said crews assisted CFA firefighters at the job, which included providing aerial assistance.

A spokesman from Victoria Police said the fire caused “significant damage”.

A spokesperson from CFA said firefighters found a shop well alight and it was spreading to neighbouring buildings in the shopping strip.

A woman living above a neighbouring unaffected shop was assessed by Ambulance Victoria on scene.

The fire was brought under control at 3am.

Fire at Gilbert St, Torquay

McCartney Real Estate director Tim Carson described the fire as “devastating”.

“Our office has been completely destroyed, but the way I’m looking at it, there are a lot worse (off) people in Sydney at the moment than what I am (following the Bondi Junction massacre),” he said.

A Facebook image of the fire on Gilbert St Torquay

“We’ll be right, I’ve got some very good staff that have made sure everything has been scanned and we’re backed up (digitally).

“It’s going to be a bit of inconvenience but we will work through these few days as best as we can.”

Mr Carson said it was still early days, but said the business had plans to stay where they were.

“It’s been here for a long time … we would like to stay here but we will work through that,” he said.

Firefighters attend the scene where multiple properties were destroyed by fire in Gilbert Street, Torquay. Picture: Brad Fleet

Looop owner Fiona McPherson said her shop was “burnt to a shell”.

“That’s pretty much it, there’s nothing left, it’s been gutted,” Ms McPherson said.

“It’s a shock, but I’m relieved that nobody was hurt.

“I think we will reach out to the community, we still have a little bit of stock at home … I think we will just do a pop-up just to sell what we can to pay the bills,” she said.

Firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire to the supermarket behind the shops.

CFA had 13 vehicles on scene supported by FRV crews.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire remains ongoing.

A crime scene has been established with an arson chemist attending the scene later on Monday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestopersvic.com.au.

Originally published as A blaze at Gilbert St, Torquay has caused significant damage to shops