Grocery store in Slacks Creek goes up in flames next to pet shop

A number of animals have died after a fire at a shopping strip south of Brisbane overnight.

A number of animals have died after a fire tore through a shopping centre south of Brisbane last night.

Emergency services were called to a fire at the Kingston Square Shopping Centre, at Kingston Rd Slacks Creek, just after 9pm.

Sheree with two green tree frogs saved from a pet shop at Slacks Creek that was devastated by fire overnight, killing a number of animals inside. Picture: Dan Peled

Five fire crews were called to the scene. Firefighters had the blaze under control by 10.30pm. They remained on scene until 12.30am.

The blaze is believed to have started in a grocery store

Fire engulfs the Slacks Creek retail centre. Picture: Facebook.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said three other nearby shops were ventilated as a result of the blaze.

A police spokesman said toxic fumes from the smoke prevented police from investigating last night – but said a number of animals from the neighbouring pet shop had sadly perished in the fire.

The fire was located next door to a pet shop. Source: Facebook/Woodridge Crime Watch.

Queensland Police declared the area a crime scene and will return today as investigations continue into what caused the blaze.

A crime scene has been declare at the shopping centre. Picture: Richard Walker