Emma Pritchard

A fire which guttered a house in South Grafton last week is being treated as suspicious.

Around 2pm on April 27, emergency services responded to reports a residence in Maxwell Avenue was on fire. Upon arrival, South Grafton Fire and Rescue 307 Captain Paul Danvers said there were large amounts of smoke and flames coming from the front windows of the property and police were already at the scene.

“We had the fire controlled within 25 minutes,” he said, adding three fire trucks including a special HAZMAT tanker also attended the scene.

“The property was a fibro house, and it did contain asbestos, which was a concern as it became exposed.

“An exclusion zone was established around the property and crews had to decontaminate themselves following the fire.”

Captain Danvers confirmed that although the property was occupied, no one was home when the fire occurred.

“Police are treating the fire as suspicious,” he said.

“The NSW Fire and Rescue Investigation Unit sent a canine unit up on April 28 and conducted a walk-through of the property.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.”

Officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District have established a crime scene at the property. Anyone who was in the area at the time the fire occurred or anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Grafton Police on 66 420 222 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.