Criminal damage charge after fire
One of two people rescued from a burning house by off-duty firemen overnight has been charged in relation to the fire.
The firefighters had been fighting the southern suburbs fire and were on their way home when they saw the fire at the Bassendean house.
They forced their way into the home and saved a 46-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man.
The couple were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and possible burns.
Police said today the 45-year-old man had been charged with one count of criminal damage by fire and one count of endangering the life, health and safety of a person.
Insp. Kim Massam said the woman was taken to Royal Perth Hospital and the man to Swan Districts Hospital.
He said the arson squad would investigate.
“I believe the damage is quite extensive,” Insp. Massam said.
“There are two people in hospital and one of those will assist police with their inquiries.”
It is believed the house was once used by the Disability Services Commission to house people with disabilities but has more recently been used as emergency accommodation.
A property to the rear of the damaged house is still used by the DSC.
A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said about 18 firefighters from Perth, Osborne Park, Malaga and Kiara stations took about 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Neighbours reported seeing flames coming from the single-storey property that were as tall as power poles.
