A Devonport antique store has thanked passers-by who helped prevent a fire, believed to have been deliberately lit, from engulfing their business on Monday night.
The owners of the Antique Emporium on Formby Road say community members pulled burning boxes away from their shopfront before emergency services arrived.
“Their actions and that of the fire brigade saved what could have been a potential disaster, with the heat breaking our windows and heat on the ceiling of the front of the shop at a dangerous point,” the business posted on social media.
Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguished the blaze, which was reported about 9pm.
The fire cracked the store’s front window and caused smoke damage inside.
Police said boxes left outside the store were set alight, which is believed to be the likely cause.
A spokesperson told Pulse one youth was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, with Devonport CIB detectives continuing their investigation.
The business expressed frustration that emergency services were stretched across multiple incidents involving young people around town that night.
“It’s tough being in small business these days, so much up against you and then someone who thinks it’s ok to destroy everything you’ve worked hard for comes along and just makes it tougher,” they wrote.
Despite the setback, the owners said the community’s response highlighted the good in Devonport.
“Yes, there’s good and bad in every community. We like to think there’s more good than bad,” the post said.
“So thank you to these legends that helped us out here. For taking the time to stop and help and potentially saving our livelihood.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage from the area between 9pm and 9:30pm on Monday to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
