Stanthorpe businesses picking up the pieces after tobacco store fire in Maryland St

A popular plumber has revealed the devastating impact of a “suspicious” fire which broke out at a neighbouring tobacco shop and also damaged a nearby beauty business. VIDEOS, PHOTOS.

Shattered businesses are picking up the pieces after a fire broke out in a tobacco shop, causing widespread damage.

Part of Stanthorpe’s CBD was closed for almost 12 hours after a fire started inside the store on Maryland St early Tuesday.

Since then, devastating stories from neighbouring businesses have emerged.

Family-owned plumbing business MWF Plumbing was also destroyed in the fire, revealing the extent of the damage in a heartfelt post on social media.

“We are heartbroken to share that our shop has been destroyed by fire. The damage inside is extensive and our entire space needs to be rebuilt from the ground up,” the post said.

“This place meant everything to us, and with your support, we will rebuild.”

Despite the significant damage to the Maryland St store, the business said it would continue to trade.

“We’re doing everything we can to continue trading under the circumstances and our team are still working hard to serve the community,” the post said.

“Your support means the world to us right now, whether it’s a kind word or choosing to do business with us in any way you can.

“Please be patient with us and thank you for standing by us in these difficult times.”

MWF Plumbing's showroom has been devastated by fire after the tobacco store next door was targeted on January 28. Photo: Facebook/MWF Plumbing

It’s understood the fire began after 2am on Tuesday with six fire crews battling the blaze until about 5am.

It was the second time the tobacco store was targeted by fire.

The business is believed to have only been open a few weeks before it was first set alight in a blaze which began about 4am on January 26.

Footage has been released of the moment an unknown person has set fire to a tobacco store in Maryland St, Stanthorpe in the early hours on January 28.

No injuries have been reported with Queensland police establishing a crime scene, considering both fires to be suspicious.

A section of the street was closed off until about 1pm Tuesday when nearby business owners were allowed to return to their businesses.

It's believed the tobacco store was rammed by a vehicle before it was set on fire in the early hours on Tuesday. Photo: Facebook

It’s understood the fire has caused significant damage to surrounding businesses, including MWF Plumbing, located next door, which has been forced to close its showroom.

Stanthorpe Crystal Care and its next door neighbour Dep’s Beautiful Nails had a close call with the quick action of fire crews and an adjoining brick wall saving the business from going under.

Stanthorpe Crystal Care owner Brady said his wife’s nail salon was minutes away from going under.

“We were lucky to be on the other side of it, it would’ve only taken a couple of more minutes and it would’ve went under,” he said.

“Thankfully we have a proper firewall that extends above the roof, because you can see where the fire had started to creep through the top.”

Neighbouring business Dep’s Beautiful Nails was lucky to receive minor fire damage after a fire broke out at the tobacco store next door. Photo: Facebook/Stanthorpe Crystal Cave

Brady said both businesses were forced to close for the day, costing them a days worth of income.

“We’re looking at damages in the thousands to replace the sign and repaint,” he said.

It’s understood the unknown offenders rammed the front door of the building before allegedly setting the inside on fire.

Police are calling on any witnesses or anyone with CCTV to contact Policelink on 131 444.

Investigations are ongoing.

Originally published as Stanthorpe businesses picking up the pieces after tobacco store fire in Maryland St