Wagga’s main strip was clouded by dense smoke and by-standers evacuated after Cache erupted in flames around 3.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.

At least three workers rushed inside building – which was billowing with smoke – to ensure no children had become trapped or lost inside. 

Grant Higginson, who was inside the store when the blaze caught alight, said the situation was incredibly well-handled.

“We ordered lunch and then the fire alarm went off and at first we all thought it was a drill,” he said.

“Then people started to panic and we were all evacuated and the seriousness started to set in.

“What was mind-blowing was several of the staff, who rushed inside after the building caught fire to make sure nobody was stuck inside.”​

NSW Ambulance paramedic Darren Rudd revealed one man was treated for smoke inhalation and is now in a stable condition.

He said all others in the building “had been accounted for”.

Early indications suggest the fire sparked in the roof of Cache – where the motel operates. 

Adam Tucker was staying in the motel above Cache and was evacuated after alarms went off across the hall.

He was told the fire resulted from a clothes dryer.

“I just hope I haven’t lost my stuff,” he said.

“If it was going to spread anywhere it would have been to my room.”

He was surprised by the amount of smoke that filled the air when he exited the building.

Police set up a perimeter surrounding the fire while a crowd of roughly 120 residents watched the chaos unfold. 

Many were ordered to vacate the area by police as they captured photos and video on their mobile phones.

Fire and Rescue NSW zone commander Garry Tye said around 30 firefighters were needed to extinguish the blaze. 

“The wind was a factor in the spread of the fire and crews were also challenged by the fact the fire was in the roof space,” he said.

“We've had some internal parts of the roof collapse, but we believe the cafe has been maintained.

“At this stage we have not yet had the opportunity to investigate a cause.

“All patrons have been accounted for which is a good outcome.”

Several Cache staff members could be seen holding their heads in disbelief as they watched the fire spread.

Anyone with information should contact Wagga police on 6922 2599