By JASON TURNER
A FIRE has destroyed a Springvale home and damaged two others.
Nine CFA crews from Springvale, Keysborough and Dandenong were called to reports of a blaze in the backyard of an Elaine Court house at 5.30pm on Monday.
When crews arrived, the home was already well alight with the fire threatening nearby properties.
Despite initial fears of someone being trapped inside, everyone was accounted for.
One home was completely destroyed, while another had fire damage.
Crews were required to use breathing equipment in their efforts to contain the fire to the two homes, with a third property receiving some smoke damage.
Senior station officer Barry Nash from Springvale fire brigade said thick black smoke, from a heavy fuel load on the property, hampered efforts.
The EPA was also called in to deal with a large amount of soap-making chemicals found in the backyard of the destroyed home.
Crews were at the scene until close to midnight.
Investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the fire.
