Fierce Queensland shopping centre blaze guts at least eight stores

A Queensland community has been dealt a blow after a fire largely destroyed a shopping centre on the Whitsunday coast last night. 

It is believed the fire began at a Target store inside the complex on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale just after 7pm, before it spread to dozens of adjoining shops.

Around 30 firefighters battled the blaze, which took several hours to contain overnight.

One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.

Three banks, a deli, a hair salon, an art studio, a homewares store and the Target store were destroyed in the fire, with the blaze marking the second time one of the stores – Marino’s Deli – has burned down in the last two years.

Video taken by bystanders showed flames emerging from the roof of the centre and smoke billowing from the Target store.

A crime scene has been established and police are investigating the cause of the fire.

There have been no other reports of injuries.

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

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