‘Suspicious’ fire destroys vacant house

Karratha detectives are investigating a suspicious fire that burnt a house to the ground in Bulgarra last Monday night.

The privately-owned vacant property on Richardson Way was engulfed in flames just after 11pm and firefighters were unable to save the structure.

Detective Senior Sergeant Adrian Richards said police were seeking witnesses to the blaze which they believe was deliberately lit.

“We are treating this as suspicious; the premises was vacant at the time and the electricity was actually shut off so we don’t think it was a fault,” he said.

“We are now looking for anyone who was a witness to any suspicious activity or any people who were seen in and around the streets at around 11pm.

” Det. Sen. Sgt Richards said he couldn’t comment on the cost of damage caused by the fire, but said the remaining building would have to be knocked own.

“We have had forensic officers attend, but due to the extensive damage it is going to be difficult to ascertain exactly where the fire started,” he said.

Neighbour Jeff Dinglasan saw the glow of the blaze through is window about 11.30pm.

He woke his mother and father before walking outside to take a look.

“I saw the firefighters there for about an hour before the blaze was put out,” he said.

“It was a big fire and it almost reached the house next door.

The good thing is the firefighters saved it.”