Overview
- Two cars parked at the front of a Stephen Street property ignited before flames spread into the home, causing extensive damage.
- A family of three and their dog escaped to the backyard as heat blocked the front exit, and firefighters forced entry through a neighbour’s fence to evacuate them.
- Fire Rescue Victoria reported bringing the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, and neighbouring houses were evacuated as a precaution.
- Victoria Police say early inquiries indicate the fire was deliberately lit by unknown offenders who fled the scene, with a possible firebombing under investigation.
- The scene remains cordoned pending fire investigators’ clearance, no arrests have been made, and detectives are seeking CCTV or dashcam footage from the public.