National

Officeworks fire still smouldering in Qld

By AAP Newswire

Aug 24, 2022

Fire-damaged signage at an Officeworks store south of Brisbane. — Police believe the fire at an Officeworks store south of Brisbane may have been deliberately lit. -AAP Image

A suspicious fire that destroyed an entire Officeworks still smoulders more than 18 hours hours after breaking out in the store south of Brisbane.

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Queensland Fire and Emergency Services say the blaze started while staff and customers were still present at the store on Kingston Road in Underwood about 8.40pm on Tuesday.

Everyone inside the store managed to escape without injury, but the fire engulfed stationery, paper, computers and furniture, sending smoke billowing through the surrounding area.

Firefighters battled for hours to control the blaze and remain at the scene, which was still smouldering on Wednesday afternoon, while warning people in the area to avoid the smoke.

"Crews will be operating in the area throughout the day," QFES said in a statement.

"There may be some residual smoke in the area and motorists are advised to drive with caution."

Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which they believe may have been deliberately lit, and have called for any witnesses or drivers with dashcams in the area are the time it broke out to contact them.

Comment has been sought from Officeworks' parent company Wesfarmers.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press