‘Targeted attack’: Horror blaze in Melbourne’s inner west that forced family to flee for their lives deliberately lit, authorities believe
A family has made a lucky escape from a devastating house fire in Melbourne’s inner west, which authorities now believe was a “targeted attack”.
Fire and Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters responded to a house fire in Yarraville on Wednesday following reports of two cars on fire and threatening a home.
Crews arrived at the Stephen St home at 2.39am and began extinguishing the fires in the car.
Speaking to the ABC, FRV Footscray acting senior station officer Peter Closter said firefighters had to break through the fences of a neighboring property to enter the burning building and save the family.
“We couldn’t get through the front due to the intense heat of the fire in two vehicles,” he said.
“We found the family of three and the dog safely out back and they were evacuated.
“We were trying to break down the front door. The house was pretty securely locked and so we went through the fence on the side to gain access.”
While the people living in the house were not injured, other houses in the surrounding area had to be evacuated as a precaution.
The entire fire was taken under control at 03.05.
In a statement, FRV said the fire was investigated by Victoria Police and Maribyrnong City Council was notified of the incident.
Victoria Police said investigators believed the fire was a “targeted attack” carried out by unidentified individuals.
“Any witnesses, anyone with views or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au,” a police spokesman said.
