UPDATED: Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to a suspicious fire at a shopping precinct on Thursday.
Emergency crews were called to a business within the retail area on Chancellor Village Boulevard at Sippy Downs just before 12pm.
Staff and people inside the business were evacuated: no one was injured.
A crime scene was declared and police are further investigating the cause of the fire.
Anyone with information, or vision that could assist investigations, is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote this reference number: QP2401128724
EARLIER: Police are patrolling the Sippy Downs area for people suspected of starting a fire at a discount store.
The fire in a commercial premises on Chancellor Village Boulevard was extinguished about 1.30pm after sending clouds of smoke across the Sunshine Motorway.
Social media reports identified the premises as the Choice discount store.
Six Queensland Fire and Rescue crews from Maroochydore, Buderim, Kawana and Caloundra stations were called to the fire shortly after midday.
An evacuation took place and all of the occupants were reported to be out of the building.
Large amounts of smoke were drifting over the Sunshine Motorway, and motorists were urged to drive with caution and to the conditions.
Nearby residents were also urged to close windows and doors, and keep respiratory medications close by if required.
A Queensland Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the building was smoke-logged and crews were working to ventilate it.
The fire was contained to one area of the building but smoke affected the entire building.
Police and ambulance services were also on the scene.
Investigators are expected to inspect the area to determine what might have caused the blaze.
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