The arson squad and detectives from Taskforce Lunar are investigating a suspicious fire that gutted the inside of a tobacco store in Ballarat Central on Thursday, February 1.
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Little Bridge Street was closed between the pedestrian crossings, from Dyer's Steak Stable to the Noodle Canteen. Buses are not running into the street.
Firefighters were called to Ballarat Smoke Station on Little Bridge Street about 3.40am while police were called about 4.30am.
"When crews arrived, the fire had spread to an adjoining shop," a CFA spokesperson said.
"The incident was under control at 4.09am and deemed safe at 5.18am."
A Victoria Police spokesperson said no one was inside the business at the time of the incident.
The roller door to the business was destroyed and the inside was charred. A skin and laser clinic next door was also damaged.
"Investigators are treating the fire as a targeted attack and will look at any possible links to other recent fires," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
While investigations continued on Thursday, a protester was seen being escorted from the scene.
Detectives are also investigating whether a car fire on Boundary Road in Brown Hill about 3.43am is linked to the shop fire.
A CFA spokesperson said two units, from Ballarat and Mount Warrenheip attended the scene.
"The incident was under control at 4.05am and deemed safe at 4.20am," the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information on the incident or anyone has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au