Probe into deadly fire

By Kelly Yates
DETECTIVES are investigating the death of a woman who perished alone in a fire-ravaged house in Narre Warren last Sunday.
Emergency services, including the Narre Warren and Berwick fire brigades, police and ambulance, were called to the single-storey house in Darling Way about 1.30am.
The 37-year-old was found dead in the lounge room.
Narre Warren fire brigade lieutenant Damien Baker said about 50 per cent of the house was on fire and that the roof and part of the structure was collapsing when fire crews arrived.
He said the crews kept the fire contained but most of the damage had already occurred before the CFA was on scene.
Neighbour Tony Whitwood, who lives on Cameo Court, was the first person to arrive at the fire.
Mr Whitwood told the News he rang 000 about 1.07am after he saw a section of the house’s roof and the lounge room on fire.
“I ran down the side of the house in between the cars and then I saw the front door and windows blow out,” he said.
Mr Whitwood said he had hoped the house was empty.
“I banged on the bedroom windows hoping to hear a response but by that time the fire brigade had arrived,” he said.
“When I found out the woman was inside I felt sick in the stomach.”
Police said yesterday (Wednesday) that they did not know the cause of the fire.
The property has been cordoned off as Arson Squad detectives and forensic police examine the house.
The Narre Warren fire brigade is reminding the community to check that all homes have a working smoke detector.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.