Suspicious fire damages Paddy’s Market in Pooraka 15 years after it was burnt down

Police are investigating a northern suburbs business fire that caused up to $60k in damage 15 years after the building burnt down in a deliberately lit blaze.

Police are investigating a second suspicious fire at a northern suburbs business after two shops went up in flames causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke at a group of shops in Pooraka with crews called to the blaze behind Paddy’s Market on Main North Rd about 1.10am.

The two empty shops, which are connected by a small corridor, were both damaged in the fire with windows cracked in the heat.

Black smoke stained the ceiling of one of the warehouse-sized shops and a shared blackened room had been gutted by flames.

The owner of the building, who did not want to be named, said it was “frustrating that it happened”.

The owner believes the fire caused about $50,000 – $60,000 damage to two units being renovated. Picture: Dean Martin

Inside the old Paddy’s Market building after the 2025 fire. Picture: Dean Martin

He said the damage caused by the fire would cost ”$50,000 to $60,000” to repair.

Neither building was leased at the time of the time fire after Paddy’s Market closed its doors last year.

Damage inside Main North Rd buildings caused by a suspicious. Picture: Dean Martin

It’s not the first time a suspicious blaze has ripped through the same block of businesses with a deliberately lit fire causing $1.5m in damages to Paddy’s Market in 2010.

SA Police believe Saturday morning’s fire was also deliberately lit.

Crime scene investigators remained at the scene late on Saturday morning with investigations into the suspicious fire ongoing.

Two businesses were damaged with 26 firefighters, seven appliances and two command vehicles getting the blaze under control in 30 minutes.

A deliberately lit fire burnt through Paddy’s Market in 2010, leaving $1.5m in damages. Picture: File

It took the business seven years to fully recuperate after the first fire.

Michelle Buckfield and Vickey Nelson revitalised the Pooraka market in October 2017.

“I remember going there was the place to be — it was so energetic and had a real family atmosphere,” Ms Buckfield said at the time.

“There was so much variety and a well established market, so that’s why we wanted to bring it back.”

There is no suggestion Ms Buckfield or Ms Nelson had anything to do with the fire.

Police have asked anyone that may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Suspicious fire damages Paddy’s Market in Pooraka 15 years after it was burnt down