PRESTON, VIC. — At 6.11pm last night, 29 firefighters responded to a fire on Walker Avenue, Preston, after multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters arrived on scene at 11 Walker Avenue within four minutes to find a single-story home fully ablaze. Crews immediately called for extra resources.
The home was part of a duplex structure, with a brick wall separating the two dwellings.
Firefighters with hoselines worked hard to ensure the fire did not spread to the second residence.
Crews in breathing apparatus entered the burning home to search and were able to confirm no persons were inside.
An occupant of the adjoining residence evacuated safely.
The fire was declared under control at 7.06pm, fifty minutes after FRV arrived on scene.
Unfortunately, one house has been extensively damaged in the fire. The second home sustained some damage to the roof.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has been asked to attend the scene and assess the structure. It is understood to be a ‘housing commission’ premise.
The fire has been deemed suspicious and handed over to Victoria Police.
Five pumpers, an aerial appliance and a rescue unit from Heidelberg (Station 15), Preston (Station 12), Northcote (Station 13) and Bundoora (Station 14) attended.
