Unit fire being investigated as domestic violence incident

A woman has allegedly fled her home with her children just days before it was set on fire.

A fire ripped through a family home on Thursday morning and is being treated as suspicious with a police investigation now underway.

Emergency services rushed to a unit on Plaitford St, Elizabeth Vale in Adelaide’s north just before 1am after reports of black smoke billowing from the structure.

The fire was quickly brought under control before it could spread to neighbouring properties, though the house itself suffered extensive damage to its interior.

Firefighters and police at the scene of the blaze. Picture: Nine

No injuries were reported, with neighbours telling 9News the blaze was a shock, after a woman and her four children vacated the home earlier in the week.

“I heard sirens, saw flashing lights and the sounds of breaking glass,” a neighbour said.

“I assumed it was something on fire as I could smell a bit of smoke.

What appears to be a plastic jerry can is examined at the scene. Picture: Nine

“It does shake you up a bit, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Police believe the fire was deliberately lit, with what appeared to be a red plastic petrol canister found at the scene.

Fire investigators are still at the scene on Thursday and anyone with information on the fire or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Unit fire being investigated as domestic violence incident