A Laverton house was destroyed in a suspected arson attack on Tuesday night.
Firefighters were called to the Bellin Street house about 11.20pm, and found it engulfed in fire and flames shooting from the roof.
The house was vacant.
MFB spokesman Trevor Woodward said firefighters had to protect themselves from asbestos in the gutted single-storey concrete house.
“Special asbestos procedures were instigated due to the age of the house (circa 1940s or 50s).”
He said a council engineer would determine on Wednesday if the house would be demolished.
The repair or replacement bill is estimated at $200,000.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
