A SQUATTER is fighting for life following a shed fire in Dandenong.
Greater Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said CFA crews attended the blaze at the rear of a Cleeland Street doctor’s surgery about 3.10am on Wednesday 21 October.
He said a 37-year-old man had been squatting in the shed for some time.
“He appears to have accidentally set a fire in the shed while sleeping,” he said.
Det Sgt Kirton said fire investigators ruled the blaze non-suspicious without specifying a cause, but a lit candle was believed to be the culprit.
The fire caused extensive damage and the man suffered smoke inhalation.
Det Sgt Kirton said the man was conscious and speaking freely when taken to Dandenong Hospital but had since deteriorated.
“He was transferred to The Alfred hospital where he’s in a critical but stable condition in intensive care,” he said.
He urged anyone who witnessed the fire to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
