A TEENAGER has been charged with arson following a fire that gutted a unit in Wodonga on Tuesday.
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The 14-year-old was one of four youths arrested near the scene of the blaze on South Street.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Andrew Leonard said the damage bill was conservatively estimated to be about $150,000.
A resident in an adjoining unit she had been watching videos at home when a passerby banged on her door, telling her to get out.
“It was pretty terrifying to see it going up as quick as it did,” she said.
“There were really high flames, heat, lots of smoke, and just chaos with fire trucks and emergency crews everywhere.
“I’m very, very shaken, still very shaken now.”
The woman was treated for smoke inhalation and was concerned for her three pets, which all escaped unharmed.
She said the were “a fair share of dramas around the area” including noise and property damage.
The home is used for short term accommodation for young people, and the neighbour said there had been three different sets of residents in the past nine months.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Leonard said police had received a tip-off about four teens walking in a nearby street about 6pm.
The group was arrested, but only one has been charged over the fire.
Charges have not been ruled out for the three other youths.
Police are not seeking any other suspects at this stage.
“We’re always keen to speak to anyone who may have information,” he said.
“In fact we have been approached by a couple of people thus far.
“Given South Street at that time of the day is quite a busy area, we’re certainly keen to speak to anyone, particularly anyone who may have seen four youths running from the area.”
Police are also investigating possible motives.
“It may just have been a case of vandalism or an act of wanton criminal damage, but we still need to look into it,” Detective Leading Senior Constable Leonard said.
No-one was at home when the fire started.
Forensic officers attended the property on Wednesday and inspected the damage.