A woman is fighting for life after her husband allegedly set fire to their house in Melbourne’s west, shortly after 5pm on Monday.
Six children were also home at the time of the fire, including a nine-month-old baby.
Most managed to escape unharmed, but a 17-year-old girl was also injured, requiring treatment by paramedics.
Witnesses described Kylie Griffiths emerging badly burnt, after her husband Roland Griffiths, 38, allegedly ignited a flammable liquid at their home in Sutherland St in Albanvale.
Police had regularly attended the address since the couple married two years ago, neighbours told Nine News, saying just last week Mr Griffiths had stood in the front yard and threatened to blow up the house.
He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under police guard.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident (are) being investigated by the Arson and Explosive Squad,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
It took 26 firefighters more than 30 minutes to control the flames, according to Fire Rescue Victoria.
One neighbour told the Herald Sun the fire triggered a cloud of black smoke which filled the street.
“I ran out to see if I could help. The street was just filled with thick, dark smoke,” he said.
“It was scary. There were fire brigades, trucks, six or sevens cops, five ambulances.
“The whole street was just flashing lights.”
A forensics unit arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning alongside a group of police detectives.
Detectives spoke to neighbours to help establish the couple’s history and the circumstances surrounding the event.
