Dog killed as police investigate house fire at Torrensville

A fire has killed a pet dog and led to a surprising find at a house in Adelaide’s western suburbs at the weekend.

Police are investigating whether a house fire at Torrensville was sparked by a drug lab. Picture: Natalie Vikhrov

A fire that tore through a Torrensville home on Saturday night may have been started by a secret drug lab, police say.

Police are now investigating whether equipment consistent with a drug lab found in the house sparked the fire that killed the residents’ dog and caused about $200,000 worth of damage.

Firefighters raced to the Keith St home just after 6pm on Saturday to find the property engulfed in fire, with flames coming through the roof.

An MFS spokesperson said no one was home when the fire broke out – but the occupants returned before firefighters arrived.

Police said two men attempted to put out the fire and were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by paramedics.

Police are investigating if a house fire in Torrensville may have been sparked by a drug laboratory. Picture: SAPOL

More than 20 firefighters battled the blaze, which they found in the kitchen at the back of the property.

It was extinguished within about 30 minutes, but firefighters were unable to save the occupant’s pet dog.

The house was also extensively damaged.

When fire investigators came to the property they found “equipment consistent with a clandestine laboratory”, police said.
Neighbours told The Advertiser the man who lived at the property kept to himself.

Sophie Ignatiou, who lives nearby, said she often heard banging coming from the property but assumed it was home renovations.

Police are investigating if a house fire in Torrensville may have been sparked by a drug laboratory. Picture: SAPOL

Police are investigating whether a house fire at Torrensville was sparked by a drug lab. Picture: Natalie Vikhrov

The home’s front-facing windows were boarded up on Sunday but neighbours say they were covered up prior to the fire.

On Sunday, detectives continued their investigation at the property.

Police said no arrests have been made nor charges laid.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or phone [phone].

Originally published as Dog killed as police investigate house fire at Torrensville