Body found after flames tear through St Albans home

One person has died and several neighbours have been forced to flee their homes after flames engulfed a weatherboard house in Melbourne’s northwest overnight.

One person has been found dead and several neighbours were forced to flee after flames engulfed a home in Melbourne’s northwest overnight.

The blaze broke out at a house on Power St in St Albans about 2.40am on Sunday.

Police and fire crews at the scene of the fatal fire on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Crews are working to determine the cause of the blaze. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Emergency services arrived to find the single-storey weatherboard home alight and a neighbouring three-storey apartment building under threat.

The sole occupant of the home, who is yet to be formally identified, was found dead inside.

Residents from nearby properties were evacuated as 30 firefighters battled for 50 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

The facade of the building was almost completely destroyed by the flames and a carport at the side of the home has collapsed.

Friends of the victim arrived at the home about 12pm on Sunday and were seen talking with investigators.

Visibly emotional, the group were seen consoling each other and embracing.

They told waiting media they were in “no condition” to speak following the death of their friend.

The blaze broke out about 2.40am on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

Residents told the Herald Sun the fire had escalated quickly.

Gurpreet Kaur, 27, said she was woke to the sound of a frightened woman calling emergency services for help.

“We were sleeping and suddenly someone was calling the fire brigade,” she said.

Ms Kaur said she initially thought there had been an accident outside her home before she saw flames towering above a home a few doors down.

“We were very scared,” she said.

“Last night was a bad night for all of us.”

Having heard reports one resident had died in the fire, Ms Kaur said her family had been up since about 3am.

“We could not sleep after that,” she added.

It is believed those who knew the victim were at the scene early this morning, speaking with neighbours and emergency services.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was surprised by how quick and intense the inferno was.

“I just can’t believe how quickly it (escalated), that whole building was alight,” he said.

A neighbouring building was heavily impacted by smoke, with three of the townhouses sustaining minor fire damage. Police are helping some residents find alternative accommodation.

Arson chemists and specialist Fire Rescue Victoria investigators remained on site on Sunday as they probe the cause of the fire.

More to come