Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said soon after midnight an unknown offender or offenders attended at the premises and used an accelerant to light the car.

"The 2014 Suzuki Vitara was parked out front of a residential address in Boyle Close, near Moore Street, which backs onto the Moonah Street playground," he said.

"At 12.10am Tuesday the victim, a 19-year-old woman was home with her family.

"She heard a dog barking. Got out of bed and saw large bright orange glow. She peered through her curtains and saw that her car was on fire on the front lawn."

Detective Senior Constable Hughes said the car was near the house and there were fears the home would catch on fire.

"Everyone was evacuated and the Warrnambool Fire Rescue Victoria service arrived at 12.25am to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames," he said.

"The flames almost reached the house.

"It was obviously a targeted attack and the two rear tyres of the Suzuki were slashed.

"There was an abusive derogatory term painted on the driver's door and her brother's ute was also subject to a graffiti attack."

The investigator said the Suzuki worth $14,000 was destroyed and towed from the premises.

"It's clear an accelerant was used in the attack," he said.

"This is extremely serious offending and the flames were very close to the house, which could have led to the home catching fire and potentially fatalities.

"Anyone with information is urged to immediately contact the Warrnambool police CIU on 5560 1174 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: