Man critical after carport fire

By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

AN elderly man is fighting for life after being injured by a blaze in his home’s carport in Tarene Street, Dandenong, last night.
CFA investigators believe the fire started from a wood heater in the carport about 7.50pm, spreading to two vehicles and the carport itself.
Four fire trucks from Springvale and Dandenong CFA units extinguished the fire by 8pm.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley said the man in his seventies was treated for burns to his face and airway as well as smoke inhalation at the scene and taken to Dandenong Hospital.
He was placed into an induced coma and transferred to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition just after midnight.
“He had burns to his airway, which can lead to swelling that can restrict the breathing,” Mr Bentley said.