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Firebug strikes

DETECTIVES are investigating the blaze of an unoccupied house in Wonthaggi yesterday (Monday) and have not ruled out a link to arson attacks earlier this year.

The fire occurred in Stewart Street around 1.30am and spread quickly, engulfing the entire house in flames.

Wonthaggi and Inverloch fire brigades attended the scene at 1.37am and worked until the fire was extinguished by 4.15am.

Wonthaggi Fire Brigade incident officer Kim O’Connor said extra precautions were made due to the presence of asbestos on site.

“The house was built with asbestos so it took a while to extinguish the fire. We applied extra safety precautions and limited our firefighters’ exposure to the chemicals. We also put out a community warning to the neighbourhood,” he said.

“There is a possibility this fire was linked to other incidents of arson from earlier this year given the location and other factors that were similar.”

Police are investigating the fire which has been deemed suspicious.

Bass Coast Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Liza Burrows has not ruled out a link to other arson attacks.

“The fire was in the same area of town where arson attacks occurred earlier this year,” she said.

“An arson chemist visited the site today (Monday) and is investigating further. Given the materials used and the fact it began in the middle of night, it is at this time deemed suspicious.”

The property was under renovation at the time and police believe the flames may have been started under the house, on the western side near gas bottles.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Bass Coast Criminal Investigation Unit on 5671 4100.

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Posted by on Dec 15 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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