Qld: Elderly evacuated, shops destroyed in arson attacks

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2005
Qld: Elderly evacuated, shops destroyed in arson attacks

By Chris Herde

BRISBANE, Dec 16 AAP - Arsonists are being blamed for two fires which destroyed five
Sunshine Coast businesses, causing millions of dollars in damage.

No one was hurt in the blazes which began about an hour apart early today, but some
staff from the various business could find themselves without a job the week before Christmas.

The first blaze began about 1.30am (AEST) inside a retail complex housing Spotlight,
Chandlers and Rosemore Furniture Cottage outlets on Nicklin Way, Kawana.

The buildings could not be saved.

Firefighters were alerted to the second fire about an hour later, just 2km further
along Nicklin Way in Warana, which destroyed two shops - the Fruit Shed and Mick's Meat.

Specialist units and an aerial firefighting appliance were sent from Brisbane to battle
the blazes which continued well past daybreak.

About 100 residents from the nearby The Grove retirement village at Kawana were evacuated
because of toxic smoke.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner Lee Johnson said there were 13 units
and 60 firefighters in attendance at the height of the fires.

"These appear to be deliberately set fires," he said.

"They have caused, particularly in the major fire (in Kawana), multiple millions of
dollars worth of damage to the commercial businesses and premises that operate from them."

There were no injuries in either blaze.

But with the businesses destroyed, employees could find themselves without a job this Christmas.

Spotlight store manager Maureen Davis said work had already begun on rebuilding the shop.

"You can replace stock and walls, but I am so relieved to know that no staff member
or customer was present at the time or injured," she said.

Ms Davis said every effort would be made to ensure staff do not lose their jobs.

"Spotlight is also currently looking into all options to accommodate its current staff
members, including a staff meeting with their store and regional manager, working with
other local businesses in an effort to accommodate all of their staff," she said.

AAP ch/sc/rj/bwl

KEYWORD: FIRES NIGHTLEAD

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