By Mikayla van Loon
Emergency services responded to calls of a unit fire in Lilydale over the weekend, discovering much of the house up in flames.
The Slevin Street fire was first reported to Triple Zero around 10pm on Saturday 3 September and Lilydale CFA was notified that a child was unaccounted for and presumed to be trapped inside.
“It was quickly established that the child had in fact evacuated the premises and was waiting at the letterbox for our arrival,” a post to Lilydale CFA’s social media said.
With assistance from Chirnside Park and Mooroolbark CFA, crews found 50 per cent of the house on fire and a partial roof collapse.
Able to quickly bring the fire under control in 20 minutes using the breathing apparatus supplied by Bayswater CFA, only the lounge and kitchen were severely damaged.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics were required onscene to conduct precautionary health checks of house’s occupants and firefighters.
“Paramedics assessed a woman believed to be in her 40s and two primary school aged children for smoke inhalation. All patients were taken to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition,” a spokesperson said.
Victoria Police members also responded, helping to direct traffic and investigate the cause of the blaze.
A spokesperson said it wasn’t deemed as suspicious, with Lilydale CFA determining a candle could have been the possible cause.
While an unfortunate event, Lilydale CFA wanted to stress the importance of a fire ready plan for evacuation.
“This unfortunate event has demonstrated the importance of evacuating and assembling at the letterbox in an emergency to ensure everyone is accounted for.”
