Firefighters battle building fire in Goulburn St, Hobart
UPDATED: A man has been charged with arson after he allegedly caused extensive damage to an abandoned home. SEE HOW THE DRAMA UNFOLDED
UPDATED 7.30PM: A MAN has been charged with arson after he allegedly caused extensive damage to an abandoned West Hobart home.
Tasmania Fire Service crews from Bridgewater, Clarence, Hobart and Glenorchy were called to the blaze at 68 Goulburn Street just after 7.40am on Wednesday.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as workers clocked on to start the day.
Goulburn Street remained closed for several hours between Molle and Barrack streets while a fire scene examination was conducted to determine the cause of the suspicious blaze. Detective Senior Constable Martin White said police arrested a 23-year-old man a short distance from the house at 8.55am after speaking with witnesses in the area.
“The man was held for investigation and subsequently charged with arson,” Senior Constable White said.
“Extensive damage was caused to the unoccupied residence. There were no injuries to any person resulting from the house fire.”
The suspect was remanded to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court.
Police are appealing for any additional witnesses to come forward.
Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au
UPDATED 3PM: Goulburn St remains closed as fire investigators continue to try and piece together how a central Hobart house was set alight earlier this morning.
The blaze is being considered suspicious by police.
A man has been taken into custody and is assisting police with their investigation.
Police are expected to issue another statement sometime this afternoon.
Goulburn St will remain closed between Molle St and Barrack St while the investigation continues.
EARLIER, 10.45AM: Tasmania Fire Service are in the process of cooling down the house on Goulburn Street that was engulfed in flames earlier this morning.
Investigations into the cause of the residential fire can begin after the home has cooled sufficiently. The TFS said investigations would begin soon.
EARLIER, 9AM: A HOUSE in central Hobart has gone up in flames this morning.
Firefighters were called to the structure fire on Goulburn St about 7.40am with two tankers working to bring the blaze under control.
Plumes of smoke billowing into the sky at the southern end of the city greeted workers as they clocked on to start the day.
Neighbours said they thought the house had been abandoned for some time.
DID YOU SEE THE FIRE? Send your pictures and videos to mercury.news@themercury.com.au
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