Tragic detail emerges after fatal house fire

FATAL HOUSE FIRE
A home in St Albans has been completely destroyed by fire, with a body found among the rubble. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

A body has been found inside a house in Melbourne’s North after fire tore through the building early on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to the Power Street home in Saint Albans at 2.40am, and arrived to find the single storey weather board house consumed by fire and a neighbouring three-storey apartment building under threat.

Neighbours called emergency services after they woke to the smell and heat of the fire.

One person, who is yet to be formally identified, was located deceased within the home, with emergency services yet to release details about the person

Emergency services arrived in “around five minutes” and it took 30 firefighters to get the blaze under control within 50 minutes.

A friend and neighbour of the deceased, Ketan Arora, told 7NEWS four housemates occupied the house, with three of the four of them out at a party when the fire started.

“I wish he was alive right now, he was a very friendly guy … he was a very cheerful person, a very happy person.”

Mr Arora was working the night shift and said his sister had called in the fire. He said the house was already engulfed in flames by the time firefighters were called. “It was too late,” he said.

FATAL HOUSE FIRE
Police are investigating a fatal house fire in St Albans. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani
FATAL HOUSE FIRE
The home was destroyed in the blaze, which took 30 firefighters 50 minutes to extinguish. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

A crime scene has been established and an arson chemist will attend the scene later today.

The neighbouring building was heavily impacted by smoke with three of the neighbouring townhouses sustaining minor fire damage. Police are assisting with alternative accommodation for some of the occupants.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” leading senior constable Jody Clayton said.

More to come

FATAL HOUSE FIRE
A body was found inside the home after the fire was extinguished. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani