A woman has died in a fierce fire that tore through a home in West Footscray early Sunday morning.
The MFB and paramedics arrived at the double story brick home on Clive Street at 12.20am.
A 62-year-old woman died at the scene and a 68-year-old woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
A team of 40 firefighters took about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Neighbour Peter said the women were members of the local church community and looked after each other.
He said they had mobility issues that may have made escape difficult.
“I spoke to them a few times but I didn’t know them on a personal basis,” he told Channel 9.
“I think it’s very sad for their family and them.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Fire investigators are on the scene and a smoke warning has been issued to surrounding areas.
One 62 year old woman has died in a house fire in West Footscray. She is believed to have been wheel chair bound. Fire investigators are on the scene to determine the cause of the blaze. @theage pic.twitter.com/J2N3D9tY3o
— Matilda Boseley (@MatildaBoseley) June 9, 2018