A fire in Shepparton on Friday afternoon has caused significant damage to a house and forced traffic detours to be put in place.
CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters responded to the blaze in Wilmot Rd, Shepparton, just after 2pm on December 8.
“When crews arrived, the building was well alight,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“Victoria Police were also on scene.”
The fire was under control about 20 minutes after firefighters arrived, the spokesperson said.
Victoria Police confirmed that no one was inside the house at the time of the fire, and a dog and a cat were located safely afterwards.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics were called to a report of a fire just after 2pm in Shepparton, but there are no patients being treated at this stage.
Around a dozen emergency service vehicles, as well as Powercor workers, remained on the scene as of 2.45pm, with smoke blanketing the area.
A crime scene has been set up while emergency services work to establish the circumstances which led to the blaze.
Sergeant Matt Walker was on scene and said part of the roof has been burnt through just above the living room area where he said most of the damage was done - a distressing scene for the home occupants.
“That’s what the CFA are thinking, where the most damage is generally where the most heat is,” he said.
“Once the fire investigator arrives we’ll be able to find out more.
“Even though no occupants were home, they’ve returned home since obviously distraught after losing a lot of or pretty much all their possessions.”
Investigations into the fire remain ongoing, according to Victoria Police media.
Traffic on Wilmot Rd is being diverted down Colliver Rd to the west of the fire and down Bradford Rd to the east.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au