Three Footscray homes set on fire in 30 minutes

Derelict houses have been destroyed in Footscray as police probe a spate of fires during the early hours of Tuesday.

One of two homes on Footscray’s Pickett St that were set alight. Picture: David Crosling

Three houses in Melbourne’s inner west have gone up in flames during a spate of fires on Tuesday morning.

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to multiple emergency calls for a house fire in Footscray about 5am.

Firefighters arrived in less than five minutes to find two single-storey weatherboard houses ablaze on Pickett St.

One of the houses sustained significant damage, but crews were able to limit damage to the second home.

The rear of the weatherboard home was destroyed. Picture: David Crosling

A third home was set alight on Victoria St. Picture: David Crosling

Fire crews rushed to the scene on Tuesday morning. Picture: David Crosling

Minutes later, further triple-0 calls were received for a separate house fire a short distance away in Victoria St.

Additional crews responded and arrived to find a single-storey weatherboard house well alight just before 5.30am.

It is believed all houses were vacant and no injuries have been reported.

A community advice was issued for smoke in the area.

Residents of a neighbouring nursing home were also instructed to close all doors and windows to limit smoke inhalation.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said it was the second time in two years the abandoned house on Victoria St had been burnt down.

A neighbour said it was the second time this abandoned Victoria St home had caught on fire. Picture: David Crosling

All three homes were vacant when they went up in flames. Picture: David Crosling

“I woke up to the fire this morning and a black cloud of smoke,” she said.

“The house is apparently full of asbestos, so that was frightening to hear.”

The neighbour said she thinks the fire was deliberately lit.

“It seems very suspicious to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was deliberate,” she said.

The fires have been deemed as suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances of each fire and whether they are linked.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.