Glen Iris: Fire rips through Creswick St squatter home

A bungalow believed to have been used by squatters and filled with drug equipment has gone up in flames in a suspicious Glen Iris fire.

Neighbours have claimed a bungalow in a family-friendly Glen Iris street was filled with drug equipment and visited by squatters just before it went up in flames in a suspicious fire.

Almost 30 firefighters responded to the fire in Creswick St about 11.15pm on Sunday following several calls from the public.

They found the home alight with flames coming from the roof and through the front door.

The roof collapsed a short time later and crews battled the fire for about half an hour before it was brought under control about 11.50pm.

No one was found inside the home and firefighters remained on scene overnight to ensure the area remained safe, before handing over to police.

Neighbour Andy Ridings said he had heard people using the home early in the morning before the fire broke out later in the night.

“It was pretty intense, it was like a wall of smoke coming up the driveway,” he said.

Mr Ridings said the fire could have been much worse due to thick, unmoved grass in the backyard.

Fellow neighbour Ann McAllister said her husband moved a portable barbecue near one of the burning rooms onto the nature strip to stop its gas bottles from exploding.

Ms McAllister said there had been “weird activity” at the home for the past two years and claimed it had been used sporadically by squatters, with “all sorts of drug making paraphernalia” inside.

The street is home to Mr Foxx cafe and is located between busy Malvern Rd and Milton Parade, not far from Tooronga railway station.

Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed the Californian red brick bungalow was previously used by squatters and the fire was deemed suspicious.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, and any witnesses or anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.