Investigation launched after fire guts Torquay house

An investigation has been launched into the fire that destroyed a family home being renovated at Torquay.

A family home undergoing renovations was gutted on Wednesday morning after fire broke out in the roof cavity.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesperson said the fire started in the roof of the 15-20m single storey dwelling on the corner of Exeter and Honiton St about 10.20am.

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Torquay station officer, Brendan Fitzgerald, who was on the scene, said there was no one home at the time, and that workers carrying out renovations in the backyard reported the flames and smoke.

The house was “gutted” by the time the fire was put out, around 11.20am. It had caused extensive damage to the home and the tiled roof had collapsed.

A neighbour has commented on the incident saying that, “the family will be devastated”.

Mr Fitzgerald said the crew was only able to salvage some photos and instruments, and rescue the family bird.

“The house has been under renovation recently, and some electrical work has been done in the ceiling.

“Fire investigators will be looking into the cause of the fire over the coming days.”

QAS was waiting at the scene while the fire was still ongoing and QPS was also directing traffic with the street was cordoned off for a couple of hours.

Originally published as Investigation launched after fire guts Torquay house