A man, 77, has died in a fire at Kilmore’s Kingsgate Village this morning.
Three homes were damaged in the blaze at the gated retirement village at Royal Parade, Kilmore, which started at about 6.13am.
Two units were burnt in the fire and a third sustained heat damage.
All occupants, except one man, had evacuated by the time emergency service crews arrived.
Mitchell Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a crime scene has been established.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s arson and explosives squad and an arson chemist are now on scene.
The occupants of one unit escaped before it was completely destroyed by fire.
The body of a man was located inside the second unit, which was partially destroyed by fire. He is yet to be formally identified.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jaymee Cutler said about 40 residents from the village were evacuated.
“His wife is in a fair bit of shock, it’s an awful experience for anybody to go through. Our police members have been sitting very closely with her and helping her get through this, and we’ll get in touch in any other referral services and family that can help,” she said.
It is believed the man and his wife moved into Kingsgate Village in the past few weeks.
Acting Inspector Cutler said no other residents suffered major injuries other than smoke inhalation and shock, with paramedics on scene since about 6.20am.
“This is a tight knit community being a retirement village so I’m sure they’re all gathered around each other to help themselves through the situation,” she said.
About 80 firefighters using 20 Country Fire Authority vehicles attended, and had the fire under control by 7.13am.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and declared the scene safe by 10.17am, but remain at the site to blacken out any hot spots.
CFA issued an advice message earlier today to inform residents of Kilmore and surrounds that smoke may visible from nearby roads but there was no threat to the community.
Royal Parade remains closed to traffic.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
