Police say a fire that destroyed three shops in Mount Compass, on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, was deliberately lit.
The Country Fire Service (CFS) estimated the fire has caused more than $1 million worth of damage to a bakery, a butcher and a vacant shop in the shopping complex on Victor Harbor Road.
The fire appears to have started in the vacant shop about 3:30am before spreading to Compass Meats and Country Picnic Bakery.
Police fire cause investigators declared the cause suspicious after going to the scene.
Several others shops were damaged, along with a home.
Police told neighbour Ray Rose to evacuate with his family as the flames spread.
"He said 'it's mostly contained but you need to get out, take the dog and anybody else that's in the house. You've got five minutes'," he recounted.
Local resident Rosalie Wilson said the fire was an "awful" blow to the heart of the town.
"People will get behind everyone," she said.
"It's a good strong community.
"People will offer support any way they can."
More than 40 firefighters battled the blaze.
Some remained at the scene during the day to extinguish hotspots.
Victor Harbor Road has reopened after earlier being closed.
