Community rallies to support shop owners devastated by Capalaba fire

Thousands of dollars have already been raised for several businesses devastated by a huge fire south-east of Brisbane, as police continue to investigate what sparked the blaze.

Friends and family members have rallied to support a Capalaba business community left devastated by a large fire, as police continue to investigate the cause of blaze.

At least 10 businesses were heavily damaged and some destroyed in the fire that tore through a strip of shops on Old Cleveland Rd just after 4am on Thursday.

Twenty-three fire crews battled the blaze, which spread quickly through neighbouring shops due to the complex’s “connected roofing”.

The fire broke out in the Old Cleveland Road shops about 4am on Thursday.

Shocked business owners could do little more than watch in horror as their livelihoods went up in flames.

In the 24 hours since the fire, more than $11,000 has already been raised across four GoFundMe online fundraising campaigns for the shop owners.

Richard, Kim and Monica Tran’s family owned business Melin Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant was gutted in a fire. Picture: GoFundMe

Capalaba resident Danielle Jackson has raised almost $6,000 through her fundraiser for the “iconic” family-owned Melin Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant which copped the worst of the flames.

“They have been working hard everyday serving our local community for over 30 years,” she wrote.

“This place was their life … To say they are devastated is an understatement. We need to get behind this amazing family and help them rebuild what they have lost.”

Owner of Elemental Connection Deanne Leckie choked back tears talking about her business which she started six years ago.

Zac Seychell, the son of Elemental Connection owner Diane Leckie, has also started a fundraiser for his mother whose crystal and healing shop was heavily damaged in the fire.

“This shop was not only a safe haven for many of its loyal customers but a collection of our mum’s proudest achievements,” Mr Seychell said.

“With financial circumstances already difficult with Covid, the complete loss of her small business due to this unfathomable event has now created distress not only in her work life, but in her personal, as this shop was her absolute dream.”

Multiple Fire and Rescue Service crews on the scene of the fire on Old Cleveland Rd in Capalaba. Picture: Tara Croser.

Meanwhile Taneil Hennessy has rallied to support her friend Emma Hayes who lost her business C’Ba Hair Salon in the fire.

“I’m absolutely devastated for my beautiful friend Emma,” she wrote.

“She’s put so much effort, time, sweat, tears and money into the past seven years.”

Police said a crime scene has been established and investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

Anyone who was in the area at the time or has further information is urged to contact police.