A fire broke out in the basement of Priceline Pharmacy in Hay Street, Perth this morning at around 6am, with a member of the public reporting the blaze at 6.33am. Firefighters from four stations (Vincent, Daglish, Osborne Park and Perth Fire and Rescue Stations) arrived on scene at 6.36am, finding the two-storey building smoke logged on both floors.

Priceline staff member unlocked the front door after firefighters had issues gaining access with their power tools. Crews made entry and searched the basement and two floors to ensure no one was in the building. The fire was extinguished at 8.07am, with crews currently on scene making the area safe.

Witnesses reported cars doing u-turns and going the wrong way in an attempt to exit Hay Street. Smoke could be seen coming through the top of the front door of the Priceline store, thick and black. Police had to block Hay Street off to cars, leaving a Transperth Cat Bus service and many taxi's stuck in the street.

DRN1 has reached out and a Priceline Pharmacy spokesperson said "Priceline Pharmacy Hay Street in central Perth has been damaged by a fire. Fortunately, no one has been injured. We currently do not know how the fire started nor the full extent of the damage. We are working with authorities to understand more and determine next steps. The store will be closed until further notice."

@russellharrower Fire at @Priceline Australia ♬ original sound - Russell Harrower

The public is advised to take alternative routes if travelling through Hay Street, as the road remains closed while firefighters continue to make the area safe.

Update 1pm:

The road has not been reopened. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.