An iPhone plugged into a power adaptor has been blamed for a blaze which gutted a Werribee house last week, causing damage of more than $430,000.
Fire crews were called to Austin Street just after 5pm on March 4, after calls about smoke billowing from a house.
Werribee CFA’s First Lieutenant Darryl Wells told Star Weekly that by the time they arrived, the weatherboard property was well alight.
Crews were forced to break into the house and, as they did, the intense blaze broke through a window.
“Crews gained control after about 15 minutes, although the fire in the ceiling space continued to flare up,” Mr Wells said.
“But with the arrival of a ladder platform, crews were able cut access holes in the iron roof and finally bring it under control.
“On gaining entry to the rear of the house, they also saved the family cat.”
Forty firefighters including crews from Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale and Corio, battled the blaze, which was traced back to the overheated power adaptor inside the house.
Nobody was home at the time.
Mr Wells said the five-hour operation was hampered slightly by a water main that burst on nearby Market Road.
