When firefighters arrived at the burning DeniMart building in Napier St on Good Friday, the front window had already smashed as a result of the fire’s intensity.
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Medium-sized flames were leaping out of the building.
While some firefighters quickly got to work on the blaze, others found a rear entrance and went inside to search the living quarters upstairs.
Luckily, noone was found inside.
But those occupying the neighbouring second-storey home were evacuated as a safety precaution.
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW Deputy Captain Les Booth said the brigade was mobilised about 5.24am.
He said a prompt response and firefighting efforts saved the fire from spreading through the ageing buildings in the CBD.
“When we arrived, flames and fire were already coming out of the building through the smashed front window, likely broken as a result of the intensity of the fire,” Dep Capt Booth said.
“We were worried there might have been people upstairs, and the shop next door was also evacuated.
“We were able to contain the fire to the bottom floor only, with no damage upstairs.
“There was also no damage to neighbouring buildings.
“But if we had gotten there event 10 minutes later, it might have been a different story.
“Some of those buildings are quite old.”
Dep Capt Booth said the cause of the fire is unknown, with Murray River Police District to now investigate and make a determination.
Police have already labelled the fire as “suspicious”.
Police also confirmed there had been no reports of injury relating to the blaze.
A crime scene has been established, and an investigation is continuing.
DeniMart had only recently opened in the Deniliquin CBD, stocking confectionery, drinks tobacco products and other items.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, are urged to contact local police on 5881 9299 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information reported to CrimeStoppers is managed on a confidential basis.
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