Police investigation after fire breaks out in Surfers Paradise high-rise

The top floors of an abandoned Surfers Paradise high-rise have gone up in flames, with police now investigating the cause of the ‘suspicious’ blaze.

Firefighters at the scene of a unit fire in Seabreeze High rise ,on Garfield Terrace in Surfers Paradise. Picture Glenn Hampson

A police investigation has been launched after a fire erupted on the top floors of an abandoned Surfers Paradise high-rise.

Emergency crews braved the burning former Seabreeze Apartments tower on Garfield Terrace to rescue unexpected occupants.

Firefighters at the scene of a unit fire in Seabreeze High rise ,on Garfield Terrace in Surfers Paradise. Picture Glenn Hampson

Several people were evacuated from the tower – which is scheduled for demolition – after fire broke out at around 6am on Friday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services acting station officer for Surfers Paradise Scott Dean said crews had been alerted to plumes of smoke from the top floor of the abandoned building.

Acting Station Officer from Surfers Paradise, Dean Scott. Picture Glenn Hampson

“When we arrived smoke was issuing from the top floor,” he said.

“There were people inside and they were evacuated. We searched the building to make sure no one (else) was inside.”

Mr Dean said firefighters had entered the burning building in search of other people.

“From level three up there was fire present and the building was filled with smoke. We extinguished the fire which was on level four.”

Police have since launched an investigation into the fire which is now being treated as suspicious.

Firefighters braved the burning building on Friday. Picture Glenn Hampson

It comes a month after a fire broke out on the ground floor of Seabreeze Apartments sparking a manhunt for a potential arsonist seen running from the building.

On January 23, police were called to Seabreeze around 11am where a fire had broke out on the ground floor and a pile of rubbish burning.

“A short time later police have located a 35-year-old man from Broadbeach, and he has been charged with a trespassing offence,” a spokesperson said.

Investigations into the January fire are still ongoing, however police said it is not believed to be linked to any other fires.

Police have urged anyone with information regarding the Friday fire to reach out to Crime Stoppers.

Queensland Ambulance Service said paramedic crews on standby were not required to assess anyone and everyone had been accounted for on the scene.

Originally published as Police investigation after fire breaks out in Surfers Paradise high-rise