‘Targeted attack’: Horror blaze in Melbourne’s inner west that forced family to flee for their lives deliberately lit, authorities believe

A family has made a lucky escape from a horrific house fire in Melbourne’s inner west, which authorities now believe was a “targeted attack”. Fire and Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters responded to a blaze at a house in Yarraville on Wednesday, following reports two cars were alight and threatening a house. Crews arrived at the Stephen St home at 2.39am and set about extinguishing the car fires. Speaking to the ABC, FRV Footscray acting senior station officer Peter Closter said firefighters were forced to break the fence of the neighbouring property to enter the alight building and rescue the family. “We couldn’t get through at the front due to the intense heat of the two car fires,” he said. “We found the family of three and the dog safely at the back so they were evacuated. “We were trying to break the front door. The house was locked up quite securely and that’s why we’ve gone next door through the fence to get access.” The occupants of the home were not injured and other neighbouring homes needed to be evacuated as a precaution. The entire blaze was brought under control by 3.05am. In a statement, FRV said the fire was being investigated by Victoria Police and the Maribyrnong City Council had been notified of the incident. Victoria Police said investigators believe the blaze was a “targeted attack” by unknown offenders. “Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au,” a police spokeswoman said.