Drums of paint and chemicals could be heard exploding inside Nowra Paint Place as Fire and Rescue NSW and retained firefighters from Nowra aided by RFS personnel battled the massive structure fire.

Nowra Paint Place, Lockwood Carpets and Tiles and Wallingtons Clothing, businesses located within the centre, were completely destroyed.

Strong winds increased the fire’s intensity, adding another challenge to the task and spreading ash and heavy smoke over the area downwind.

Houses around the centre and in nearby Cambewarra Road were evacuated and the Princes Highway was closed.

Firefighters surrounded the building and put up a relentless fight against the blaze.

Walls and the roof began to collapse about 15 minutes into the fire.

Protected by breathing apparatus teams of firefighters pushed inside the building as soon as the extreme heat would physically allow it, and continued to battle the blaze from inside.

Fire protection was established on adjoining businesses Country Motor Company and Plants Plus nursery.

The highway was lined with spectators and emergency vehicles as one of Bomaderry’s prominent old buildings was brought to the ground.

At the time of going to press it was uncertain if everyone in the building had been accounted for.

Evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes just after 11pm when the blaze was brought under control.

Investigators will return to the scene this morning to fully assess the damage and determine how the blaze began.

The John Bull Centre was originally a rubber factory established in 1952.

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