A devastating house fire in Perth’s northern suburb of Balcatta has claimed the life of a woman, leaving the community in shock.
The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon, engulfing a home on Sylvia Street.
The Emergency Response
Firefighters were quickly called to the scene at around 4:15 pm, after receiving triple-0 calls reporting flames and black smoke billowing from the roof.
Despite their best efforts, two rooms inside the house were destroyed. The fire was eventually extinguished, but the damage had already been done.
Investigation Underway
Arson Squad investigators are currently examining the scene, and have deemed the fire as “non-suspicious”. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has confirmed that the home was a State housing property.
A Community in Mourning
WA Premier Roger Cook has described the fatal house fire as a “very tragic event”. “Our hearts go out to all impacted by this particular horrible fire,” he said.
“Any loss of life in such circumstances is confronting and people’s hearts will be breaking today. Our thoughts are with them.”
Memories of the Victim
One nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, fondly remembered the elderly woman, saying he last saw her just before Christmas travelling to the nearby shops.
The community is still coming to terms with the loss of the woman, who was the sole occupant of the home.