Murgon blaze engulfs Queenslander, sparks investigation

A suspicious house fire in Murgon has prompted police to declare a crime scene after emergency crews battled flames engulfing an ‘old Queenslander’ home on Watt Street. VIDEO

A crime scene was declared on Tuesday at the scene of a fierce fire that destroyed an old Queenslander in the heart of Murgon on Monday evening.

Emergency crews were called to the property in Watt Street just before 5pm on Monday to find the high set timber house fully engulfed in flames.

A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman said they received the call at 4.55pm and arrived on scene five minutes later, describing the house as “well involved” by then.

An old Queenslanders was fully engulfed by flames near the intersection of Steven and Watts Streets in Murgon. Photo: Deb Chafer

Initially, four fire crews were sent to the fire, with a total of 11 crews eventually deployed throughout the evening.

The fire was extinguished about 5.30pm, but crews stayed for some time to dampen any hot spots.

The QFD spokeswoman confirmed no individuals were found in or around the house, and there were no reports of anyone missing or unaccounted for.

Locals watch on as firefighters blame the house fire in Murgon on Monday, October 21. Photo: Deb Chafer

Locals had posted on social media that the house had been vacant for some time.

Fire investigators concluded their work around midday on Tuesday before handing the investigation over to police.

Two young girls run towards the house fire drama in Murgon on Monday, October 21.

“Police have declared a crime scene ... Investigations are ongoing,” the QFD spokeswoman said.

“The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.