Suspicious fire at Osborne House precinct

A building in the Osborne House precinct has been damaged in a suspicious fire.

Police and City of Greater Geelong staff at the site of a building fire behind Osborne House. Picture: Alison Wynd

A historic building in the Osborne House precinct has been damaged in a suspicious fire.

Firefighters were called to an incident on Swinburne St in North Geelong about 1am Wednesday.

They arrived on scene to find a large shed well alight, with the tiled roof partially collapsed.

The City of Greater Geelong confirmed the caretaker’s cottage was the building affected.

“The municipal building surveyor has visited the site to ensure public safety,” a spokeswoman said. `

Police and City of Greater Geelong staff at the site of a building fire behind Osborne House. Picture: Alison Wynd

A hazmat response was required due to hazardous debris, and firefighters donned breathing apparatus to attack the fire.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.

“Emergency services were called to a shed fire at an empty property on Swinburne St about 1am,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious at this stage.”

Osborne House was built in 1858, but the cottage was not built at the same time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Suspicious fire at Osborne House precinct