A TIMBOON weatherboard house was gutted by fire yesterday.
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A CFA spokesman said no one was home at the Digney’s Bridge Road house when the fire broke out about 11am.
About seven fire trucks from the Timboon, Scotts Creek, Glenfyne, Princetown, Jancourt and Cobden brigades fought the fire for more than two hours to bring it under control, the spokesman said.
The spokesman said a lack of quick access to water hampered the firefighting effort and water had to be carted in.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by CFA investigators.
About three-quarters of the single-storey house was destroyed in the blaze.
The spokesman said firefighters believed the house occupants were away yesterday.
Meanwhile, a 15-metre length of three-metre high cypress hedge on the eastern border of Emmanuel College in Ardlie Street was destroyed in an early morning blaze yesterday.
Warrnambool fire station senior officer Greg Kinross said the cause of the fire was suspicious and police were investigating.
Mr Kinross said the fire was the second in recent years in the old hedge.
About eight years ago fire destroyed another section of the hedge.
He said yesterday’s fire was intense and sent flames metres into the air.
Heat from the fire cracked windows in nearby college buildings but there was no other damage to buildings, he said.
Mr Kinross said strong westerly winds blowing at the time helped to keep the blaze away from college buildings.
Smoke from the fire triggered a smoke alarm at the nearby St John of God Warrnambool hospital.
Sixteen firefighters from four Warrnambool fire units battled for about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control after it was reported about 5.10am, he said.
Colac police are investigating a fire that destroyed a large workshop at a tree trimming business on Saturday night at Birregurra, east of Colac.
The fire caused explosions and extensive structural damage to the workshop which is located on Main Road.
The intensity of the blaze, which began about 9pm on Saturday, and the large amount of smoke it produced prompted many people in neighbouring streets to evacuate their homes.
Those who didn’t were asked to leave by emergency services.
No one was injured in the fire and a crime scene guard remained at the property overnight on Sunday.
Police said it was not known if the fire was deliberately lit.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au