By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAN has recovered from serious smoke inhalation suffered in what police believe was a suspicious house fire in Dandenong last night.
A CFA spokeswoman said fire crews found the man in the backyard and “three-quarters” of the house alight when they arrived at 5 Stud Road shortly after 10.30pm.
The blaze was controlled after four fire crews from Hallam and Dandenong CFA worked for 30 minutes. By that time, the house was “extensively damaged,” the spokeswoman said.
This morning, the house yard was fronted with cyclone fencing, “Trespassers Prosecuted” and dangerous dog warning notices – as well as a ‘for sale’ sign.
It was strewn with junk such as high-voltage lamps, a TV set, clothes and a fire extinguisher among 10 council-issue street-collection bins full of rubbish.
Parked in the home’s carport was a garbage truck and a light truck.
A real estate agent believed the house was tenanted at the time though police believe it was vacant.
A police arson chemist will investigate the site today.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said the man, in his forties, was taken in a serious, stable condition to Dandenong Hospital.
He was discharged from hospital this morning.
