Arson suspected in $550k blaze
The police Arson Squad is investigating a fire which spread from a car to house in Padbury last night.
The fire started in a Ford Falcon, which was parked in the car port of the Buchanan Way home between 8.30pm and 9pm.
The blaze spread to the house, causing extensive damage estimated to be worth about $550,000.
No one was home at the time of the fire but it is understood a woman and her two-year-old daughter live at the address.
Neighbour Harry O'Toole said he went to investigate after he woke to the sound of popping and banging and fire crews arriving at the house.
He soaked his house using a hose before moving the cars on his drive.
"It's lucky it wasn't summer because it would have got us, the wind was blowing this way," he said.
"It's lucky no one was injured."
Mr O'Toole said he had not seem the occupants of the house for at least two days.
He said the home had frequent visitors.
Three cars, including the burnt out vehicle, we're parked on the driveway of the property this morning.
Arson Squad investigators were at the property today and have removed several items.
In a separate incident, fire crews were also called to a blaze underneath a car in Banksia Grove at about 2.20am.
The fire started underneath the Toyota Prado which was parked in the front yard of a house in Witchetty Loop.
A small fire near the garage was extinguished before it caused extensive damage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Arson is suspected in $550k Padbury house fire. Picture: Joel Griffiths
