By Rowan Forster
Neighbours have recalled the terrifying moment a blaze ripped through a house in Emerald, threatening to engulf nearby properties overnight on Friday.
The fire, which sparked on Westlands Road at about 1am, took six emergency crews to bring under control.
Investigators believe the fire may have been an act of arson.
While nobody was home at the time of the blaze, the event has served as a harrowing close call for nearby residents.
Monika Stewart’s neighbouring home sustained minor roof and ceiling damage, but she has thanked Emerald’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers for preventing further devastation.
“It was a real close call,” she said.
“The fire kept moving closer and closer to our home and we thought it’d only be a matter of time before we lost everything.
“A lady from the CFA even came to check we were alright when she saw I was so worried about my house.”
The blaze took more than 80 minutes to extinguish, as the home was completely destroyed.
A spokesman for Emerald CFA said it was extremely lucky the fire did not spread to adjoining properties.
“On arrival, fire crews focused on protecting neighbouring houses from the intense radiant heat,” he said.
“Fortunately, there were no residents inside at the time of the blaze.
“Fire investigators remained on scene throughout the morning to determine the cause of the fire.”
Police have since labelled the circumstances of the fire as “suspicious”.
Jason, who did not want to reveal his surname, lives in a property further down the road from the gutted home.
He believes the previous tenants had moved from the house, and it was likely being used by squatters while it was unoccupied.
“Nobody was using heaters or appliances in there – it seems most likely that it was torched because illegal activities were taking place inside,” he said.
“Either way, it’s a waste of a beautiful property and I hope it is properly investigated.”
He said the close-knit street would be shaken by the incident, given the sensitivity surrounding Ash Wednesday.
“Everyone is a bit on edge about the prospect of fires, so this will rattle some cages,” he said.
“If somebody has done this on purpose, they have to be punished.”
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
