About 30 people were evacuated from the medical centre when the smoke alarm sounded. Photo: ESA.
ACT Fire and Rescue is investigating a fire that has left a medical centre at the Kippax Fair shopping centre in Belconnen gutted.
Emergency crews were called to the scene on Hardwick Crescent in Holt after a fire alarm went off in the Ochre Medical Centre at around 8:55 this morning.
ACTF&R commander Adam Garrett told media what started as “quite a light smoke … intensified very rapidly”.
“The fire extended into the rooms of the premises within a few minutes.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Photo: ESA.
Approximately 30 people were evacuated when the fire alarm went off, while those inside the nearby childcare centre and veterinary clinic – as well as those with respiratory issues – were told to stay indoors to avoid smoke inhalation.
Commander Garrett said the cause of the fire is unknown and will be subject to an investigation, but he expects the building to be out of action for several weeks or months due to “significant structural damage”.
“The main timber structure of the building has been compromised by the fire and there’s the potential of the roof collapsing in that area.”
No injuries have been reported.
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