Spokesperson Allan Reeder said council "is aiming to reopen footpath access to nearby stores as soon as possible".

"While building owners will make their own assessments and repairs, council is arranging for structural engineers to assess the integrity and safety of buildings and over-footpath awnings that may have been affected by the fire," Mr Reeder said.

"While that investigation continues this week, the footpath and parking lane outside that section of Summer Street will remain closed to pedestrians."

Mr Reeder said council had closed a section of one lane of the highway and put barriers in place "so that it can be a temporary, protected pathway for pedestrians".

These arrangements are expected to be in place for at least the rest of this week.

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