A third Deniliquin home has been destroyed by fire since the start of the month.
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Emergency services were called to a Burton St home in west Deniliquin about 6am Tuesday after reports of a structure fire.
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW Captain Marty Smith said by the time his crews arrived, the fire had already caused considerable damage.
Capt Smith said initial reports listed the home’s occupants as “missing”, but he confirmed no-one was inside.
“On arrival the fire could already be seen through the roof,” he said.
“Firefighters put on their BA (breathing apparatus) and started fire attack.
“We were assisted by the Finley Fire + Rescue brigade and Rural Fire Service, with New South Wales Ambulance, Essential Energy and police also on scene.
“Once the fire was extinguished, we handed the scene over to police who had called in their crime scene unit to investigate the cause.”
Murray River Police District Detective Chief Inspector Jy Brown said, at the time of going to print yesterday, a cause had not yet been determined.
But he did say police were not treating the fire as suspicious.
The blaze comes less than two weeks after two Edwardes St homes in east Deniliquin were destroyed by fire in suspicious circumstances.
Starting at about 2.40am on Saturday, July 6, the fire started at one home and spread to the neighbour’s home before firefighters arrived on scene.
A man in the first home had to be woken and dragged from the house, and his female neighbour had to be removed from her home by police.
Both residents and the police officers were treated for smoke inhalation, and the woman also suffered minor burns.
Det Chief Insp Brown said police are not yet able to provide any updates regarding the Edwardes St fires investigation.
He has, however, encouraged anyone with information to contact Deniliquin Police on 5881 9299 or CrimeStoppers on 1300 333 000.
Capt Smith said while official causes for each blaze are yet to be confirmed, he did say the risk of structure fires is higher in winter.
“It is the worst time of the year for fire, and we urge people to make themselves familiar with the Fire + Rescue winter fire safety checklist.
Key ways to be fire safe include checking that your fire alarms are in good working condition and having a fire escape plan, which is discussed with all members of the household.
Other important fire safe steps are:
• Keep looking when cooking - The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended. You should stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove before you leave.
• Charge safe - Don't ignore the signs! A damaged or failing Lithium-ion battery can explode, releasing highly toxic fumes. These fires are hard to put out. Never use or charge a damaged battery.
• Heaters - Be fire safe and ensure everything is kept a metre from the heater. You should also ensure flues and chimneys are regularly cleaned, and strong fire screens should be set up in front of open fires.
• Electric blankets - Folding your electric blanket can cause damage. Always roll it for storage, and check for any damage before use.
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