Gold Coast building demolished after fire

A derelict Surfers Paradise building is being demolished after extensive damage from an early morning fire.

The blaze ripped through the Oak Building about 2.15am on Sunday.

Fire inspector Craig Lashman said it was possible it may have started by a small fire lit by a squatter.

"Squatters are known to go in there, so there's the possibility the fire was started when they lit one to keep warm overnight," he told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Police have closed all northbound lanes of the Gold Coast Highway between Clifford Street and Remembrance Drive until late Sunday afternoon so the building can be safely demolished.