BURNING BRIGHT ... The dramatic scene on Sandy Bay Rd as fire engulfs an office building at Wrest Point Casino, lighting up the famous landmark.
FEDERAL Group staff were evacuated and Sandy Bay homes plunged into darkness as fire ripped through offices at Wrest Point Casino last night.
Flames were pouring out the rear of the red brick office building in Sandy Bay Rd when fire crews responded to a wave of 000 calls at 6.30pm.
Staff and onlookers gathered as three Tasmania Fire Service units tackled intense flames.
Tasmania Police blocked south-bound lanes of Sandy Bay Rd while Aurora shut off power for safety reasons.
"When we arrived there were flames licking out the rear and underneath the building," TFS incident controller Peter Tavasz said.
"The intensity of the blaze meant the trees were nearly on fire as well."
Mr Tavasz said it was too early to tell how the fire had started, but an investigation would begin this morning.
The offices house Federal Group's technology arm.
Corporate affairs manager Brendan Blomeley said staff first noticed the flames about 6.15pm.
"There were a few staff still there but they safely vacated at an early stage," Mr Blomeley said. "The fire was severe and quick and caused extensive damage to the rear of the building.
"But the main thing is that nobody was injured.
"The Tasmania Fire Service responded quickly and did an outstanding job."
About 6.45pm power was lost to about 230 homes in Sandy Bay and Lower Sandy Bay while the fire was brought under control.
Power was restored by 7.30pm, with some homes back online at 7.10pm.
