Man and woman charged with arson after Hectorville goes up in flames

A fire that caused the evacuation of residents is believed to have been deliberately lit – and police have charged two people with arson and serious criminal trespass.

Fireys have been kept busy with two fires overnight.

Two people have been charged over an eastern suburbs fire that forced neighbours to flee their homes.

Crews were called to Hectorville Rd, Hectorville, just before 7.30pm on Sunday after reports of black smoke billowing from a unit.

Police say the unit was unoccupied however residents of neighbouring premises had to be evacuated.

Police say CCTV footage revealed a man allegedly entered the unit a short time before the fire broke out.

Crime scene investigators worked out the fire started in the lounge room.

Following an investigation, police arrested a 46-year-old man from Hectorville and a 46-year-old woman from Morphett Vale.

The duo were both charged with arson and serious criminal trespass.

Hours later, police went to a suspicious fire at a northern suburbs home

About 12.45am on Monday, police were called to Sullivan Rd, Elizabeth Park, after reports of smoke coming from the window.

The vacant house was completely engulfed in flames and neighbours were evacuated as a safety precaution.

MFS crews extinguished the blaze however the house was destroyed by the fire.

An MFS spokesperson said the property was full of rubbish, nearing “waist height”, forcing firefighters to stay on the scene for up to two hours to ensure no reignition.

The property was scheduled for demolition.

Crime Scene investigators have gone to the scene to try to determine the cause of the fire.

The fire is believed to have been deliberately lit and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man and woman charged with arson after Hectorville goes up in flames