Merrylands: House fire at Burford St

An explosion was heard shortly before a house was engulfed in flames in Sydney’s west this morning.

A blaze engulfed at Merrylands house. Picture: Bill Hearne

A fire has torn through an unoccupied house at Burford St Merrylands overnight, shortly after an explosion was heard.

Cumberland police Chief Inspector Adam Phillips said an explosion was reported about 2.45am and a car was seen leaving the street shortly afterwards.

The house was unoccupied. Picture: Bill Hearne

Residents were evacuated during the blaze after asbestos concerns. Picture: Bill Hearne

“It’s an abandoned house and it’s full of asbestos and we had reports where we had an explosion before the fire, which is the reason why we currently have a crime scene,’’ he said.

The fire took over at 3.30am and residents from two neighbouring unit blocks were evacuated to a park opposite the house.

Anyone with information about the car or further details about the incident should call Granville police on 9897 4199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.