Update 1.28pm:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Victoria Police say a fire at an Elmhurst home in which a man died is not suspicious.
A spokeswoman said police detectives from the Arson Squad investigated at the scene on Sunday morning, and would now prepare a report for the coroner.
She said the cause of the blaze was yet to be determined.
Ararat Detective Senior Constable Gjalt Erkelens, who is investigating the incident, said the man who died was 57 years of age, living on his own and "not very mobile due to a chronic illness".
Update 9.56am:
Officers from the Ararat Police Criminal Investigation Unit and Country Fire Authority remain on the scene of a fatal house fire in Elmhurst, working to determine the cause.
Ararat Sergeant Simone Prictor said it was not deemed to be suspicious at this stage.
Update 9.08am:
Paramedics say three men are in a stable condition, after attempting to save a man who died in a housefire in Elmhurst overnight.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman told the Mail-Times two men - one man in his 40s and one in his 50s - were taken to Ararat Hospital, and another man in his 40s went to St John of God in Ballarat.
"All three were treated for smoke inhalation and were admitted in a stable condition," he said.
Statement from police at 1.20am:
"Police are investigating after a man died after a housefire in Elmhurst last night.
Emergency services were called to High Street about 10.30pm on Saturday 28 December to find a property well ablaze.
Three members of the public attempted to enter the property a number of times but were driven back by flames.
They eventually gained entry and pulled the lone resident from the building to the backyard.
They commenced CPR on the yet to be identified man until emergency services arrived but he unfortunately died at the scene.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a crime scene guard has been put in place till an arson chemist can attend the scene.
The three members of the public were taken to hospital for treatment.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au."
More to come.