A Peregian Beach family has escaped a house fire with minor injuries after their home was engulfed by flames late last night.
Emergency services were called to the property at about 11pm, where police and fire crews found the house significantly involved in fire on arrival.
Queensland Police Inspector John Mahony said initial investigations indicated the blaze started in the garage of the dwelling.
“On arrival the house was significantly engulfed by fire,” Inspector Mahony said.
“Subsequent investigations by police have identified the fire commenced in the garage of the dwelling.”
Two adults and three children were inside the home when the fire began. All five occupants managed to evacuate the property during the fire and were treated for minor injuries.
“The adults and the children all removed themselves from the dwelling during the fire and all persons present suffered minor injuries,” Insp Mahony said.
The garage area was heavily impacted, with flames well established by the time emergency crews arrived.
“The garage of the dwelling in particular was engulfed by fire when police and other emergency services arrived,” he said.
As a precaution, police evacuated residents from neighbouring homes on all sides of the property in case the fire spread. No other properties were damaged.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with police treating the incident as suspicious until further evidence is established.
“All fires are treated as suspicious until proven otherwise,” Inspector Mahony said.
Police suspect the fire may have been caused by a battery stored in the garage, with further investigations being conducted by Queensland Fire and Rescue.
“What I can tell you is police suspect the fire was started as a result of a battery,” Insp Mahony said.
“The information from residents is there was a e-bike lithium battery inside the garage. There were also other batteries attached to power tools within that garage area.”
Queensland Fire and Rescue crews were expected to return to the scene this afternoon to continue their investigation and provide further updates.
Inspector Mahony said the children were understandably distressed following the incident.
“Obviously the children are extremely traumatised. They’ve lost a large amount of possessions in their home,” he said.
“But they are in good spirits and like all children they are resilient to adversity and I’m sure they’ll come back from this.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
