Residents evacuated as fire destroys shop in Clifton Hill The fire destroyed Sharps and Taylors furniture and art shop in Clifton Hill. A WOMAN was lucky to escape a fire that destroyed a vintage furniture shop in Clifton Hill overnight. The fire ripped through the Sharps & Taylors art and furniture shop on Queens Parade at about 2.15am. Eleven residents from a block of units on nearby Gold St were evacuated and spent the night in a cafe. A heavy fuel load intensified the blaze and the roof of the building had collapsed by the time firefighters arrived. Kate Nance was staying at the back of the shop during the fire and managed to escape unhurt. About 45 firefighters brought the blaze under control within 90 minutes. MFB commander Shane Rhodes said an investigation would be carried out into the cause of the fire. Michael St is expected to be closed for most of the day with motorists recommended to seek alternate routes at St Georges Rd and the Eastern Freeway. Traffic on Heidelberg Rd and High St should detour via Hoddle St. Long delays are expected.