##MP##
Cairns police are currently investigating the cause of a ‘suspicious’ fire last night, which reduced an abandoned Queenslander-style house to rubble.
At about 9.35pm last night, Queensland Fire and Emergency Service units arrived at the scene in Caravonica, just north of Cairns.
Four firefighting vehicles were deployed to a ‘fully involved’ two-storey house fire on the corner of Cairns Western Arterial and Stewarts roads.
##BA##
Witnesses have told Tropic Now they saw suspicious activity at the site as the fire broke out.
##PQ##
“The fire is being treated as suspicious and detectives are appealing for anyone with further information to contact police,” a QPS spokesperson said.
“Please quote reference QP2101416708.
“Investigations are continuing.”
A QFES spokesperson said no one needed to be rescued from the building.
One lane of Cairns Western Arterial Road was blocked to traffic as emergency services handled the fire.
By 10.30pm firefighters had the blaze extinguished.
It comes less than a month after another old Queenslander, also believed to be largely unoccupied, was gutted by a deliberately lit fire.
Woke up to smoke this morning?
It was most likely due to a number of planned hazard reduction burns across the Tablelands and Goldsborough.
QFES confirmed crews are on the scene along with Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
Those in the region should avoid driving through smoke where possible and be aware of firefighters working in the area.
If you notice smoke around you, stay indoors, close windows and doors and keep respiratory medication close by.
Main points
- The cause of a house fire in Caravonica last night is being considered ‘suspicious’
- Authorities brought the blaze under control within an hour last night
- It comes less than a month after a ‘deliberately lit’ house fire on Sheridan Street
