Prahran fire: Blowtorch spotted, man arrested after blaze on Charles St

A man who was out on bail and allegedly had drugs and a blowtorch on him has been arrested following a massive house fire in Prahran.

Firefighters have attended two significant building fires in Prahran and East Bentleigh overnight.

A Watsonia man suspected of starting a massive house fire in Prahran, possibly with a blowtorch, is set to face court.

More than 40 firefighters responded to the suspicious fire at a multistorey home on Charles St at 11.30pm on Wednesday.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said no one was inside the home and firefighters worked for two and a half hours to contain the fire.

A man was seen in the Greville St area with a blowtorch and had fled the scene before police arrived and established a crime scene.

Officers found various items shortly after the incident, and the man later returned to the scene at 12.45am on Thursday, where he was spoken to and arrested.

The 28-year-old Watsonia man received 20 charges for alleged offences including arson, handling of stolen goods, burglary and criminal damage with intent to destroy.

He was also charged with alleged bail-related offences and alleged possession of drugs including cocaine, heroin, LSD, diazepam and cannabis.

The man is set to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into a shop fire on Centre Rd in East Bentleigh about 2.15am on February 17.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said 28 firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to attack the fire and quickly brought it under control.

The fire caused significant damage inside the shop but did not spread to nearby businesses.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.