Tributes flow for Chris Cann killed in Heidelberg West house fire

The sister of a man who died after a smouldering cigarette butt sparked a Heidelberg West house fire has told of her devastation.

Chris Cann died in a house fire in Heidelberg West. Picture: Supplied

The sister of a man who died after a smouldering cigarette butt sparked a Heidelberg West house fire has told of her devastation

Chris Cann, 67, was found dead inside his Wewak Parade property about 1am on Tuesday.

His sister, Jenny Dempsie, told the Herald Sun she believed the blaze started by a cigarette that wasn’t put out correctly.

“Chris put his cigarette in a bin but it didn’t go out properly. The bin was near an open window, wind came and caused the fire,” she said.

Ms Dempsie said her brother was a caring and loving man.

“He was a very kind person, he was a very happy person,” she said.

“He thought a lot about his family, we were extremely close.”

It took fire crews more than an hour to bring the blaze under control. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Dempsie said Mr Cann worked as an accountant and loved horse racing.

She said she would never forget jumping off the Maribyrnong bridge and riding bulls with him when they were younger.

It’s understood Mr Cann’s housemate survived the fire and tried to save him.

A neighbour, who wished not to be named, told the Herald Sun he woke to the sounds of “loud bangs” coming from the property and rushed outside.

He said he attempted to put out the blaze with his garden hose, fearing the fire might spread to the gas heater at the rear of the property.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known. Picture: David Crosling

Other neighbours told the Herald Sun they were woken early by emergency services battling to control the smoke and flames.

Resident Bill said Mr Cann required a motorised scooter to get around and would often travel along the street greeting neighbours.

“It’s so unfortunate that this has happened,” he said.

Acting commander Nick Devincentis said fire crews had managed to put out the inferno just after 2am.

“Crews got a call this morning for a unit fire, when they arrived on scene they saw flames coming through the door,” he said.

Firefighters managed to put out the deadly blaze just after 2am. Picture: David Crosling

“Initially they searched for any occupants and unfortunately they found a person in the unit that was deceased.”

Arson Explosive Squad Detective inspector Chris Murray said the tragic accident was one that could have been avoided.

“We know accidents do happen, but a lot of them can be preventable,” he said.

“Tragically a male was discovered in the rear of that unit and at this stage appears to be non suspicious.

“I commend the Fire Rescue Victoria, they were very prompt here and definitely saved other premises from being compromised.”

Paramedics treated one firefighter at the scene for an upper body injury.