ACT Fire & Rescue has arrived on the scene of a house fire in Ainslie this morning.
The property and adjoining garage in Sherbrooke Street are well alight.
1:57am Tuesday 24 July 2012
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Three fire crews have managed to extinguish the main seat of the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining properties.
Firefighters wearing breathing aparartus will shortly begin searching the property to make sure no one is inside.
2:07am Tuesday 24 July 2012
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Firefighters have found no one inside the house.
The fire in the brick and tile home is now extinguished.
Fire crews are now concentrating on a garage at the rear of the property where smoke is still coming from.
The house has been extensively damaged with an initial repair bill estimated at around $200,000.
The cause will be investigated later today.
2:27am Tuesday 24 July 2012
UPDATE 24/07/12 10:39: This now in from ACT Policing:
ACT Policing is investigating a suspicious house fire which occurred in Ainslie early this morning (Tuesday, July 24).
Around 1.35am police were called to a house which was well alight in Sherbrooke Street, Ainslie.
Residences on either side of the fire were evacuated while ACT Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze.
AFP Forensic Services will attend and process the scene today.
Anyone who may be able to assist police with their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
[Words courtesy ESA, photos courtesy Tom]