A fire erupted early this morning causing major damage to Alice Hosetech and Industrial Supplies situated on Larapinta Drive in Alice Springs, with fears an explosion of gas bottles might occur.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service reported receiving an alert about an industrial building ablaze on George Crescent around 6:10 am. Firefighters promptly arrived at the location to find the building entirely consumed by flames.

NTFRS teams acted swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the main structure, which suffered severe damage. No injuries have been reported thus far. Officers from NT Police and St John Ambulance also responded to the incident.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter said crews implemented strategies to safeguard the cylinders and prevent any risk of explosion after several gas bottles next to the fire were observed amid explosions from the burning establishment.

“I know the business owners are on site and have seen they’re quite devastated. You can see it appears to be a complete loss to the structure and their business and they’re absolutely devastated that family,” Mr Hunter told NT News.

“You can safely assume that there is significant damage to what’s inside, and all their stock and holdings could have been part of that.”

Alice Springs Hosetech is owned by Andrew and Natasha Mowles, who were in tears at Larapinta Drive while watching firefighters fighting to control the raging fire.

Due to the roof collapsing, crews exercised caution when entering the building. At the same time, police used a drone to identify hot zones, enabling firefighters to target the blaze effectively, Mr Hunter said.

“If you live or are working in the vicinity of the fire, please stay inside with your windows and doors closed where possible and avoid any outdoor activities,” he said.

The NT Police confirmed that traffic diversions were implemented, but the road reopened by 8:20 am.