Squatters house destroyed in suspicious CBD fire

The neighbouring business owners were able to retrieve some stock and parts before the commercial building was incinerated

The cause of a building fire which spread to a squatters house in Rockhampton CBD on Saturday night is yet to be determined.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious and officers have begun the task of sifting through the charred remains.

The fire was reported around 5.25pm and began in the upper story of the PureComm building at 108 Alma Street.

The fire then spread to the abandoned house next door, destroying it.

Five fire crews and a tanker attended the scene.

The house reportedly had been abandoned for years and was frequented often by squatters.

The fire caused power outage in the area and the nearby street and traffic lights were off for some hours.

PureComm posted an update on their social media stating they received a call from a client telling them their office was on fire.

“By the time we arrived the upper story was engulfed,” the post read.

“The front office is basically a write-off but the good news is we managed to retrieve the server and the main warehouse area with all our stock and spare parts is basically untouched.

“We will take a few days to get things set up in a temporary office but it will be business as usual as soon as possible.

“Email is still online and our phone lines will be back online by Monday.

“We thank you for all your support and look forward to supporting you moving forward.

“Onwards and upwards.”