Elderly mum’s body found in home destroyed by fire in Sydney’s inner-west

An elderly mother was killed in a “fierce” house fire that destroyed a home in Sydney’s inner-west overnight.

The body of an elderly woman has been found inside of an inner-western Sydney home destroyed by fire. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

An elderly mother tragically died in a “fierce” fire that completely destroyed her home in Sydney’s inner-west overnight.

About 1.40pm on Saturday, emergency services were called to a house in Fitzroy Street in Burwood where they found the building in flames.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze but the house was destroyed.

The woman’s body was found in her house when the flames were extinguished. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said first responding crews were met with towering flames upon arrival.

“It was a very fierce fire,” he said.

“On arrival they were confronted with a significant fire in the front of this home with the flames venting high through the roof and through the front windows.”

Sadly, the body of an elderly woman was located during a subsequent search of the incinerated home.

It’s understood the 85-year-old was living in the house with her son. Her body is yet to be formally identified.

Fire and Rescue crews are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire. Picture: Gaye Gerard

A post-mortem examination will be conducted in coming days to determine the cause of death and confirm the identity of the deceased person.

A crime scene was established at the house and forensically examined by crime officers and specialist fire investigators.

Burwood detectives have commenced an investigation and will be assisted by specialist officers from the State Crime Command.

Chief Inspector Andrew Graham urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.

The house on Fitzroy Street was gutted by the fierce blaze. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“We (are asking) if anyone has come within that vicinity, or has any CCTV footage, to please contact us,” he said.

“We are trying to identify the cause of the fire and the injuries sustained to the woman and those inquiries are continuing. ”

Anyone who witnessed the fire or may have information is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Elderly mum’s body found in home destroyed by fire in Sydney’s inner-west