Suspicious blaze destroys Qld businesses

Up to 30 workers have been affected by a suspicious fire that destroyed four businesses on Brisbane's southside.

The businesses were well alight when authorities arrived at an industrial building on Evans Road at Salisbury about 1.30am (AEST).

A crime scene has been established and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Bill Harper works for a flag manufacturing company that was destroyed and says it appears a car was torched at the back of the building.

"It's a bit hard to put into words - standing across the road from our livelihoods and it's not just me, it's the other people who work there," he told ABC radio.

"Twenty or 30 people's lives have been affected by this. I'm a bit numb at the moment really."