Vietnam vet, 74, boy, 11, killed in Lara house fire

Firefighters have described a house inferno that killed an 11-year-old boy and a Vietnam veteran, 74, as the worst fire in the Lara region for a while. WATCH THE VIDEO

A 74-year-old Vietnam veteran has been identified as a victim in a horrific Lara fire that also claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy.

The boy’s 10-year-old brother was “extremely lucky” to escape the Forest Rd North blaze in the early hours of Monday.

Residents said Peter Cochrane had lived at the property for several years and was “really friendly with all the neighbours”.

Neighbour Chris Lockley said Mr Cochrane was always willing to help those in need.

“He used to do a lot of random good deeds, I’d come home and he’d cut my lawn,” he said.

Mr Lockley said he felt “really sorry” for Mr Cochrane’s loved ones.

Peter Cochrane has been named as the victim in the Lara fatal fire.

Other people gathered nearby were too devastated to speak.

The identity of the boy has not yet been revealed.

Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said the boy’s younger brother woke to fire and smoke and desperately tried to help him and the man escape the blaze. But all help was to no avail.

Firefighters found the bodies of the boy and man inside the one-storey house.

“It’s a tragic accident that has occurred,” Sergeant Guthrie said.

“(The) mother is devastated and probably can’t really describe how she’s feeling at the moment.”

“She’s caring for her son at this stage who is also traumatised.”

Emergency services were called to the single-storey house on Forest Rd North about 4.45am on Monday.

Police at the scene of a fatal fire at Forest Rd North, Lara. Picture: Brad Fleet

It is believed the trio was asleep when the fire broke out at the back of the house.

Authorities are not treating the blaze as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

An electrical fault has also been excluded as a possible fault.

Sergeant Guthrie said firefighters at the scene had described the blaze as one of the most intense house fires they had experienced in the Lara region.

“It’s tragic,” he said.

“We’re all human, and we all got families … so it’s bad for everyone especially a small community like Lara.

“But I hope the community of Lara rallies behind them and gives them assistance and some comfort.”

Resident Peter Harvey said he woke at 4am to the “tragedy”.

“I heard a car door slam, and I just jumped up because you’re always suspicious that time of the morning,” he said.

“I saw all these sparks coming out on to the road.

“Then I ran out the back and saw all the flames. And then of course the fire brigade and all the other emergency services guys came.

“It was scary. Just a horrible thing.”

Police at the scene of a fatal fire at Forest Rd North, Lara. Picture: Brad Fleet

Premier Daniel Andrews has sent his condolences to the victims’ families during a press conference in Melbourne on Monday.

“I would send my deepest condolences to the family. We will be there to support them with whatever they need

“I’d also take this opportunity again to thank our dedicated firefighters and other emergency services, particularly this time of the year.

“It’s always important just to be mindful that there are some in our community who do amazing work; they run toward the danger in order to keep the rest of us safe. And we’re very grateful to them.”

Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said fire crews extinguished the blaze and two bodies were found.

As of 9am Monday police were guarding the brown brick property and had taped off the area.

It’s understood the fire took place in an extension at the back of the home.

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding (the) fatal house fire,” Ms Batty said.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a crime scene has been established.

“Detectives from the Arson Squad and a fire investigator will attend the scene this morning.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Vietnam vet, 74, boy, 11, killed in Lara house fire