UPDATE 9:30PM: A man in his 50’s, believed to be the occupant of the house, has been taken into police custody and is receiving supervised treatment for smoke inhalation at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
TFS Senior Station Officer Colin Attrill says early investigations suggest the fire was deliberately lit by its occupant, with the damage bill set to exceed $450,000.
The fire ‘fully gutted’ the inside of the unit, and authorities say it is likely both the unit involved and the conjoining unit will have to be knocked down.
Eye-witnesses alledge the occupant was seen swinging a samurai sword while yelling at people, before allegedly pouring fuel into the fire.
Police say more information will be released when appropriate.
Firefighters Battle House Fire in Risdon Vale
EARLIER: Crews from the Tasmania Fire Service have extinguished a fire at a house on Gardenia Road in Risdon Vale this evening.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke issuing from the property and immediately began working to bring the fire under control.
The house has reportedly been extensively damaged by the blaze which started shortly after 7:30pm.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and the TFS is investigating the incident.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
