A residence in Barrack Heights has been completely destroyed by a fire that authorities have deemed suspicious, prompting police to establish a crime scene and launch an investigation into the incident.
Firefighters arrived at the single-storey home on Clematis Crescent, near Callistemon Place, at approximately 4:10 am on Monday, April 27, to find flames shooting high into the air above the property.
"The flames were through the roof ... there was a partial roof collapse," said Tim Hassiotis from Fire and Rescue NSW.
Six fire trucks carrying around 20 firefighters were dispatched as the blaze rapidly spread throughout the dwelling and posed a threat to adjacent properties.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Barber noted that firefighters successfully protected neighboring homes from the suspicious fire, and no injuries were reported.
"There was a house one side they needed to protect. There's radiant heat and that's always a concern," he explained.
"Firefighters did a magnificent job knocking it down quickly."
It took two hours for the fire to be completely extinguished. "It's severely damaged and there's a partial roof collapse," Inspector Barber added.
Extensive Damage to the Property
The rear of the house suffered the most severe damage, and a Housing NSW contractor was called in to evaluate the property's condition.
"The whole back is gone, most of the floor's gone too. It's all burnt out," said Paul Morgan, the contractor.
"I reckon if the firies hadn't turned up it would have been totally gone."
"Luckily this one was built after asbestos was no longer put in."
Mr Morgan stated that security fences would be erected around the property, and the home would likely be demolished due to the extensive damage.
Forensic police officers combed the burnt-out property for evidence on Monday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
At this stage, it is unknown whether the house was vacant at the time of the blaze. The Mercury has contacted Homes NSW for comment.
