St Kilda house destroyed in suspicious fire, firefighters unable to look for victims
Fire crews have been unable to search a St Kilda property destroyed by a suspicious fire for potential victims after the blaze broke out overnight.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A house has been destroyed by fire and firefighters have been unable to search the property for victims after a suspicious fire late on Wednesday night.
Detectives are investigating following a fire at a vacant property in St Kilda on Hotham St about 11pm.
Emergency services were called to the Hotham St block of units after a passer-by noticed the blaze.
FRV crews arrived within five minutes to find flames issuing from the first and second floor of the double storey structure.
Firefighters immediately began an external attack on the fire to bring it under control, while at the same time stopping the spread to adjoining properties.
Additional aerial appliances also responded to assist in fighting the blaze.
Due to concerns over the stability of the structure, firefighters have not yet been able to enter the building to conduct a search of the reportedly abandoned house.
The derelict building has received extensive damage in the blaze.
The fire was declared under control at 11:55pm, 47 minutes after firefighters arrived on scene.
It has been deemed as suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police.
A community advice message was disseminated warning local residents of smoke in the area.
A crime scene guard has been placed on the property and it is expected an arson chemist will attend the suspicious fire scene Thursday morning.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage or who witnessed either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online.
