Arson is suspected in a house fire in Springvale on Tuesday night, police say.
Firefighters were called out to the blaze in Fitzherbert Ave about 9.30pm, and the road was closed off from the BP petrol station until at least 11pm.
Fire investigator John Hotter said the fire started outside the back of the house near the back door, and "there seemed to be no plausible cause of ignition at the site".
Mr Hotter said the fire went through into the roof and "entered the passageway of the house. Luckily, it was found out early," he said.
The occupants were not home at the time.