Firefighters battled a restaurant fire overnight which spread to five other businesses in the shopping strip.
CFA was called to the fire on Gilbert Street at Torquay at 11.22pm last night.
On arrival, firefighters found the restaurant well alight and it was impacting neighbouring shops.
A woman living above a neighbouring unaffected shop was assessed by Ambulance Victoria on scene.
The fire was brought under control at 3am and declared safe at 8:16am.
District 7 Commander Wayne Aylmer said sadly six shops were destroyed by the fire.
"Firefighters worked hard to stop further spread of the fire and were able to save the supermarket behind the shops."
The cause is not believed to be suspicious but investigations continue and are expected to take some time due to the extent of the damage.
CFA had 13 vehicles on scene supported by FRV crews.