A Macarthur man accused of intentionally torching his family home has been released from custody.
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Samuel Joseph Cameron, 40, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with causing criminal damage by fire, threats to kill, trespass and theft.
He was released on bail with a $10,000 surety and strict bail conditions, including an overnight curfew, that he not attend the township of Macarthur and not consume alcohol.
The court heard the man attended the family home last Thursday about 7pm and was observed parking in the driveway, preventing anyone from pulling up to the property.
He then allegedly set fire to the house by lighting combustible material in the lounge room.
The man's mother-in-law observed smoke billowing from the house as Mr Cameron allegedly crawled out the back door.
The accused, who was covered in ash and allegedly panicking, jumped in his car and then drove away.
CFA attended the address a short time later. The house was fully involved in flames and was extensively damaged.
The man was later treated for smoke inhalation and was allegedly alcohol-affected.
He told police he'd been drinking since 2pm, fell asleep trying to light a fire and then woke to find the house with black smoke.
But a CFA officer who attended the scene said the fire originated in the lounge room, that it didn't start anywhere near the fireplace and he didn't believe it was an accident.
Mr Cameron will appear in court again next month.
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