A family is mourning the loss of a 32-year-old woman killed in a house fire in Melbourne’s north-west overnight.
Jessica Pereira was inside her home on Conrad Street in St Albans when it caught fire just after 6am.
Crews arrived on scene within three minutes to find smoke and fire billowing from the roof, threatening neighbouring properties.
The response was “escalated” by Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters who entered the home to search for any trapped residents.
Pereira was pulled from the home but died shortly after.
Police have established a crime scene, and detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad and an arson chemist attended the property.
The investigation remains ongoing into the cause of the fire.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
