Arson fear as shop fire bill hits $400,000
A CRIME scene has been set up in Townsville after a sports shop was set alight, destroying close to $400,000 worth of gear.
Emergency services were called to Redback Archery and Bowhunting Supplies at 277 Charters Towers Road, Mysterton shortly after 1am yesterday after reports of smoke coming from the building.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said multiple crews attended the scene to extinguish the fire before declaring it suspicious and a matter for police.
Townsville District duty officer Senior Sergeant Matt Lyons said a crime scene was established at 2.30am and the cause of the fire was now under investigation. He said it was being treated as possible arson.
“We’ve had indicated to us by fire emergency services that there were multiple areas of ignition, and we also located a jerry can nearby,” Sergeant Lyons said.
“We believe fuel was an accelerant at this stage but it’s a matter for the forensic investigators to determine the actual accelerant that was involved.”
The strip of shops was flooded earlier this year when a burst water main wreaked havoc on the businesses, and required significant road repairs to fix the sinkhole that resulted.
Janome Townsville, Olive Branch Quilts and Gentleman Jones Barbers relocated their shops to other locations. Redback Archery and Bowhunting Supplies owner Scott Murray said he was left financially and emotionally destroyed after learning of the fire at 3am yesterday when police officers knocked on his door.
He said his business had barely recovered from the 2019 floods, followed by the burst water main in March, and then COVID-19. “I thought there must have been a small electrical fire but I’ve walked in and it’s completely destroyed,” Mr Murray said.
“I counted $389,000 worth of stock last week, I had heaps of stuff out the back for Christmas, people’s bows on lay-by, others there to be fixed.
“I hope they get the bastards.”