Abandoned Sandy Bay house destroyed by fire

Three young people “acting suspiciously” have been arrested after firefighters extinguished a “well alight” abandoned Sandy Bay house. SEE THE VIDEO AND PICTURES >>

THREE people have been arrested after firefighters responded to a “well alight” Sandy Bay house.

Hobart, Bridgewater and Glenorchy fire crews arrived on scene at Quayle Street just after 1:30pm on Monday afternoon.

Tasmania Police said two youths and an 18-year-old man were assisting police with their inquiries after members of the community reported seeing a group of young men acting suspiciously in the area.

The house will likely have to be pulled down due to the damage. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

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Hobart Fire Brigade Senior Station Officer Scott Vinen said the building would likely have to be pulled down from the damage.

“The house is actually abandoned, there’s no power connected and the fire was going quite well when we arrived,” he said.

“We’ve found no traces of (squatters), we’ve done a complete search of the building, the fire’s been extinguished and there’s no trace of anyone inside.”

One neighbour described the property as “creepy”. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Vinen said about a dozen crew members took 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

“There’s a lot of damage to the structure, the structure looked like it was in a bit of disrepair before the fire as well, and the power hadn’t been connected since 2014 so no one’s been living there for a few years,” he said.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the house was “quite creepy” with “cryptic messages” often scrawled on the door.

She said squatters had inhabited the house, which had “uneven foundations”.

“It’s always been abandoned,” she said.

Another neighbour said during his six months living in the street the house had been vacant.

Emergency services on the scene of a house fire at Quayle Street, Sandy Bay. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the Quayle St area around the time of the fire is urged to contact Hobart CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au

Motorists who may have relevant dashcam footage have also been asked to contact police.