Tasmania Police investigate Liverpool St, West Hobart house fire
Police have launched an investigation into a fire which destroyed a West Hobart home, causing $700,000 damage. LATEST >>
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Police have launched an investigation into a fire which destroyed a West Hobart home, causing $700,000 damage.
Tasmania Police on Saturday afternoon said they were investigating the Liverpool St, West Hobart fire.
“Tasmania Fire Service investigators were on scene today and determined the fire was deliberately lit,” they said in a statement.
The two-storey, 1950s weatherboard home, which had a value of approximately $700,000 was destroyed in the blaze.
Thick smoke blanketed the surrounding streets while emergency services worked to contain the blaze.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.
Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 000 333.
Initial - Friday, June 2: Video: Crews battle house fire in West Hobart
West Hobart resident Clare Roberts watched on as a house two doors down went up in flames today.
The two-storey 1950s weatherboard home on Liverpool Street erupted in flames around midday, with fire and emergency services arriving on scene a short time later.
Ms Roberts said she smelled the smoke and came outside to see a number of residents watching on as the fire inside the home roared.
“It didn’t shock me because I’ve done my advanced firefighting training, Ms Roberts said.
“The fire service got here very quickly and have been calm while controlling the blaze.”
By 1pm, the blaze was still being controlled by firefighters.
The house was vacant at the time of the blaze.
A smoke alert was issued for the area around Liverpool Street with motorists urged to avoid the area, with some roads closed as crews work to contain the fire.
TFS says there is no threat to the general public and “people who don’t need to be in the immediate area should stay away”.
Tasmania Police advised at 12.40pm that Liverpool Street is closed from the Molle Street intersection while Tasmania Fire Service respond to a structure fire.
“The closed section of road is only accessible to residents. Tasmania Fire Service are working to extinguish the fire which is in a downstairs laundry of a house.”
As of 3pm the fire appeared to be extinguished.
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