Emergency services battle fire at Ballarat tobacco shop on Little Bridge St, Bakery Hill

Three buildings have been destroyed after a fire and ram raid hit two tobacco shops in Ballarat.

Three buildings have been destroyed following a fire at a tobacco shop in Ballarat on Thursday morning.

A second tobacco shop was the target of a ram raid just minutes later.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a fire at Smoke n Gifts on Lt Bridge St and Peel St in Bakery Hill about 6.15am on Thursday.

Firefighters attended a Bakery Hill fire about 6am on Thursday after a building went up in flames on Lt Bridge St.

The burnt front of Smoke n Gifts in Bakery Hill.

Multiple crews, including a fire truck with a ladder platform, attended to fight the fire.

Two adjoining buildings were also completely destroyed.

A short time later, police were called to a ram raid at a tobacco shop nearby on Curtis St, Ballarat Central.

They said a vehicle reversed into the front entrance of the store before the driver fled without gaining entry.

Firefighters were dispatched across Ballarat after cars were left burnt out following a fire and ram raid at Bakery Hill and Ballarat East businesses.

A burnt out car on Glazebrook St, Ballarat East.

Two vehicles were then found burnt out in Ballarat East, police said.

Officers believe the incidents were linked.

There were no reported injuries as of 7.45am.

It comes after police started an investigation into a suspicious fire on the same street earlier this month when a blaze gutted another tobacco shop on February 1.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.