Ballina tobacconist blows up in suspected arson attack

A northern NSW tobacconist has erupted in flames overnight in a suspected arson attack, with firefighters scrambling to extinguish the blaze. Watch the moment it explodes.

A northern NSW tobacconist has erupted in flames overnight in a suspected arson attack, with firefighters scrambling to extinguish the blaze.

At 3.30am Wednesday morning, Fire and Rescue NSW were called to the inferno on River St, Ballina, after the building exploded, leaving a car in the roadway on fire.

Police have now launched an investigation into the incident and said a Mercedes had been driven into the business and set alight, which caused the extensive blaze.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said at 8am on Wednesday, the situation was “ongoing” as firefighters brought the fire under control.

Tobacconist fire on River St, Ballina on 23 October, 2024. Picture: Supplied / Facebook.

“Please be advised that due to an ongoing incident, River Street Ballina between Kerr and Grant Streets remains closed.” the spokesman said.

“Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing a building fire.

“Residents are encouraged to remain inside with doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area.

Tobacconist fire on River St, Ballina on 23 October, 2024. Picture: Supplied / Facebook.

“Our drone will also be flying over the scene to monitor fire and building conditions.”

Several residents took to social media sharing wild footage, including the building bursting with flames.

One person claimed people had been living above the shop, and “would have lost everything” in the blaze.

Another said the tobacconist had only recently set up shop in the building.

A NSW Police spokesman said on arrival, officers attached to Richmond Police District located a silver Mercedes sedan inside a shopfront “well alight”.

“Police were told the sedan drove into the business before the vehicle caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle leaving the scene prior to police arrival,” the spokesman said.

“FRNSW firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze; however, the building was extensively damaged.

“Surrounding units were evacuated and two other vehicles were damaged by the blaze.”

No one was injured in the fire.

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