A family flees as ‘deliberately lit’ house goes up in flames in seconds
Stunned neighbours have said “even the dog was shocked” as investigators combed through what was left of a house believed to have been “firebombed”.
North Lakes Times
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AN overnight house fire in the north of Brisbane is believed to have been started with a “firebomb”.
Emergency services responded to a house well ablaze at 3 De Havilland Drive in Bray Park at around midnight.
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A neighbour of the house fire’s victims, who the Pine Rivers Press will not name for security reasons, said they were told someone had thrown a can of accelerant into the house.
“The guy who did it I think ran through one of the neighbour’s yards,” the neighbour said.
“One of the other neighbours saw some guy run from the scene.”
The neighbour described a harrowing scene.
“I heard someone screaming ‘the house is on fire’ and within ten seconds of me running outside the whole house was ablaze,” the neighbour said.
“She (the homeowner) was hysterical and the neighbours next to them were amazing.
“They were immediately there for comfort and support.”
Petrie Fire Station Acting Inspector Mark Semple would not be drawn on the cause of the fire.
“Investigators are still determining the cause of the blaze,” Acting Insp Semple said.
“Occupants noticed fire in their house just after midnight.
“They managed to evacuate safely and alerted their neighbours.
“Fire crews responded quickly and got the fire under control however the house was extensively damaged in the fire.
“They were lucky to escape as the fire took up quickly.”
Neighbours reported pets had been saved from the fire but fears were still held for two cats.
“The woman pulled her car out here and the little dog that was in there was just stunned,” the neighbour said.
“Yeah, even the dog was shocked.”
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The neighbour was in awe of the emergency services’ efforts.
“It put a lump in my throat to see them in action,” the neighbour said.
“The fireys were here within minutes and the police even before them.
“The fireys were so brave; they just walked in like it was nothing and made everyone feel secure.
“And it was frightening because you could hear things blowing up in there.”
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