Home fire:

WARRAGUL detectives are investigating a rural property fire where three people were lucky to escape serious injury.
Emergency services were called to the Lardner’s Track residence when four cars, a caravan and a shed were found to be alight around 1am.
The fire soon spread to a nearby single storey brick residence, gutting the house.
A 56 year-old man, the owner of the property, was treated for smoke inhalation and a minor burn to the hand by ambulance paramedics at the scene. Two guests, a man and woman in their mid 20s escaped without injury. In total, 16 CFA fire trucks attended the blaze, with the damage bill estimated at nearly half a million dollars.
A police crime scene guard was placed at the property on Friday. At this stage, the exact cause of the fire is unknown and police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.