Grafton Shoppingworld catches alight in roof fire

Two members of the public jumped into action to try and keep the flames at bay until help could arrive.

Grafton Fire and Rescue crews race to the Grafton Shopping World fire on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Photo: Adam Hourigan

Quick thinking and a quick response time may have averted major disaster after a fire was detected in the roof of Grafton Shoppingworld on Tuesday evening.

Smoke was visible throughout the Grafton CBD as the blaze continued from above the Forty Winks store. Photo: Adam Hourigan

It‘s believed the fire broke out at around 6.15pm above the Forty Winks shop located on Pound Street, Grafton. The flames quickly engulfed the roof and other signage on the building.

Grafton Fire and Rescue crews were quick to extinguish the flames, along with help from two members of the public who helped hosed the roof down. Photo: Adam Hourigan

However, two members of the public jumped into action and began dousing the flames with hoses in an attempt to keep them at bay until emergency services could arrive.

Witnesses say smoke was visible throughout the Grafton CBD, drawing a large crowd as a result.

There has been significant damage to shop signage and the roof space. Photo: Adam Hourigan

Grafton Fire and Rescue were on scene a short time later and managed to extinguish the flames, also helped by a short burst of rain.

By 6.45pm they had begun to assess the damage.