Woman dead, man critical after Ayr house fire

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor | August 9, 2022

A woman severely burned in a north Queensland house fire has died in hospital. Her partner remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The fire was reported about 5.40 on Tuesday morning at an address on Home Hill Road.

Police said a 47-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were found with severe burns at the house and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Another man who came to help was also transported to Ayr Hospital with smoke inhalation.

Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson said police and emergency services found a confronting scene.

“We responded to treat people who were very severely burned, so there were very graphic scenes around that and we’re doing our best to support the officers involved in that regard.

“A crime scene has been established and investigations are underway. We haven’t established the cause of the fire yet.

“There’s been significant fire damage to the property. Fire scene investigators will be working there.”

Superintendent Lawson confirmed police had been called to the home earlier this morning over concerns about a “mental health matter”.

“At about 2.15 this morning, police received a call in relation to some comments that were made at the residence.

“Police attended and spoke to both residents who were there at the time, and we also had the Queensland Ambulance Service there assisting.

 “We were contacted by residents of the house which was the reason for the initial attendance.

“Police have been there before, it’s not the first time police have had dealings with it.”