‘Someone’s poor baby’: Boy killed in house fire on 40-degree day

Firefighters were called to the Mandurah property about 2pm (5pm AEDT) as the temperature hit 39.7 degrees.

They arrived to find the Carnoustie Gardens home in Meadow Springs engulfed in flames with the four-year-old still inside.

“When crews first arrived they found it completely involved, the whole roof has collapsed down. Every room has been involved in fire,” Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Andrew Seuren said.

A four-year-old was pulled from the burning building.

Crews performed CPR before rushing him to Peel Health Campus, where sadly he succumbed to his injuries.

“So close to Christmas and it’s not even the home, it’s just the safety, like it’s someone’s poor baby,” neighbour Sarah Benton said.

Police were working to help the family.

“Losing anyone, especially a child, can be confronting for anyone but as police officers that’s what we do and we’re here to make sure the family are very well supported,” Detective First Class Constable Tiarna Eades said.

Two other children home at the time were shaken and injured but expected to recover.

“Today was a very challenging day with the temperature, crews, near 40 degrees, so it’s quite hot and then faced with a house fire that was flames coming through the roof,” Seuren said,

“It was very challenging conditions for them, coupled with then, you’re trying to do a search, crews did find that very challenging.”

The focus this afternoon shifted to what caused the blaze, which police deemed a non-suspicious tragic accident.

The arson squad was expected on scene today.