At least five shops have been damaged or destroyed in an overnight blaze at Torquay.
Emergency services were called to Gilbert Street around 11.30pm Sunday, finding the shops in the one complex well alight.
CFA crews from Torquay and Grovedale were on scene, with the help of FRV, including the ladder platform from Geelong City.
It was declared under control just after 3am, with crews expected to remain on scene for most of the morning.
The CFA says a woman and child staying in a nearby apartment were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The cause and origin is unknown at this stage.
Police have established a crime scene with an arson chemist to be at the site later in the day as part of the investigation.
However, officers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the fire or may have information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
