Abandoned house in Boronia catches fire in middle of the night

Police said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

By Parker McKenzie

A house in Boronia caught fire in the early hours of Friday 21 October, with the cause yet to be determined as police continue investigating.

Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to the fire at a property on Boronia Road after calls to Triple Zero reported the sound of explosions.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the 15-metre by 25-metre brick home in flames, with FRV and CFA firefighters containing the fire by 3.09pm.

FRV said the home sustained significant damage “with most of the internal structure involved in the flames.”

“Three neighbouring homes were evacuated by Victoria Police with the incident deemed suspicious,” FRV said in an online statement.

CFA had three vehicles from the Boronia and Bayswater brigades supporting FRV. Boronia CFA Fire Station is located across the road from the scene of the fire.

The house, which is abandoned and set to be demolished, is known to be regularly occupied by squatters and CFA crews were worried there was still somebody inside after they arrived.

Ambulance Victoria attended the scene, but there were no patients requiring treatment or transport.

Construction workers at a set of units next door confirmed the damage was contained to the property and Victoria Police Forensic Services Department members were at the scene to investigate around 2pm.

Police said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au