Suspicious fire destroys home

Suspicious fire destroys home

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Armadale, Maddington, Welshpool and Murdoch crews helped bring the blaze under control. Photograph – Sarah Cook.

 

Flames leaped from the roof as firefighters attempted to bring the blaze under control. Photograph Michael J Ryan.
Flames leaped from the roof as firefighters attempted to bring the blaze under control. Photograph – Michael J Ryan.

Arson Squad officers were investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a house on Friar Road in Armadale last night.

A passer by called 000 at 8.41pm and told operators they could see flames coming from the timber and fibro house.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said the fire had spread into the entire roof space.

Crews from Armadale, Maddington, Welshpool and Murdoch attended and had the blaze under control by 9.15pm.

The fire caused $100,000 damage.

The spokesman said there were no occupants in the home at the time but the cause was deemed suspicious and the arson squad was called.

While the blaze was burning a police helicopter shone its spotlight on the house and officers maintained a guard there overnight.

A police spokesman said Arson Squad officers had commenced their investigation today but could not confirm whether they had spoken to the occupants.

Friar Road resident Sarah Cook moved into the street over the Easter weekend and said it wasn’t the best way to be welcomed to the area.

“We heard the police chopper for a solid 15 minutes then they started to shine a light down and we thought it was suspect so we opened the door and could smell it,” she said.

She said she hoped the home would be demolished quickly so it didn’t become an eyesore.

Anyone with any information about the blaze was asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.