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The Advocate is counting down the top 10 most read stories of 2016. Here’s what came in at number 9:
May 1, 2016: Arson Squad officers attended an incident on Chidlow Street in Northam after a house was extensively damaged by fire.
Fire damaged the building extensively, with it receiving an estimated $300,000 damage.
Emergency services were called to the home just after 5pm.
It is believed no one was home at the time of the fire.
Thick plumes of smoke billowed from the property, being visible from all parts of Northam late Saturday afternoon.
The smoke drew considerable local attention, with traffic increasing around the Chidlow Street area with concerned local people setting out to investigate.
Police were quick on the scene, cordoning off Chidlow Street while emergency services dealt with the fire, which was quickly extinguished.
Northam Police officer-in-charge Geoff Dickson said it was a total loss of the house.
“We received the call at 5.06pm,” he said.
“Arson squad are investigating at this stage they will look down a number lines of enquiries.”
Investigations are continuing however it is believed an electrical fault may have been responsible for the blaze.
Police are still treating the fire as suspicious and ask anyone who can assist in this investigation to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Last September, two separate arson blazes, one of which caused more than $100,000 damage, destroyed vehicles at Avon Service Specialists on Wellington Street.
