General News
3 October, 2025
Firm rising from ashes
THE owners of a Portsmith factory gutted in a suspicious fire earlier this week are vowing to rebuild as soon as possible.
“For our local Cairns customers, we’re already working hard to have a brand-new fully stocked showroom up and running within weeks. Every member of our staff is hands-on, dedicated to rebuilding stronger than ever,” Wholesale Paint Group said on their Facebook page.
Business operations continue despite the fire destroying the Portsmith head office, with operations swiftly relocated to its 15 other branches nationwide to ensure continuity of service.
“Our priority has always been our customers,” said managing director Craig Bennetts.
Portsmith's Wholesale Paint Group Warehouse was torched on Monday. Videos: Hugh Bohane
“While the fire has been a setback, our team acted immediately to shift operations. Thanks to the resilience and dedication of our staff, we are still fulfilling orders and providing the service our customers expect,” he said.
The company said nationwide orders were still being fulfilled, although some deliveries may experience minor delays of a few days.
Local customers are being reassured that work is already underway to establish a new, fully stocked showroom in Cairns, expected to reopen within weeks.
Mr Bennetts said every staff member had been hands-on in the recovery effort.
“The kindness we’ve received has been incredible,” he said.
“It’s a reminder of the strong community we’re proud to be part of. We are determined to rebuild and continue serving as Australia’s go-to paint specialists.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said multiple urban and rural crews were called to the Aumuller Street business about 2.25am on Monday.
“On arrival, there was thick black smoke issuing from the factory and the commercial structure was fully involved in fire,” a QFES spokeswoman said.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby buildings.
“Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading and it was contained to the one premises without impacting nearby structures,” the spokeswoman said.
“The fire was under control by 3.50am and mostly extinguished, with firefighters remaining on scene through the morning to dampen down hotspots,” she said.
A crime scene was established, with Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) detectives treating the fire as suspicious. An exclusion zone was also established from 2.40am until 6am.
Police are urging anyone with information or relevant vision of the blaze to come forward.
