Emergency services have avoided further tragedy on a street in Perth’s southern suburbs after rushing to put out a blaze that sparked just metres from a home where a woman was found dead.
Police were at the scene of the Sandpiper Loop home in Yangebup, where the body of 78-year-old Joan Mary Drane was found on Monday, when a fire sparked just a couple of doors down about 1pm.
Officers at the alleged murder scene sprang into action after they spotted smoke rising from behind the house.
Camera crews, who were also at the nearby scene, rushed to help police, grabbing a hose and running to help put out the fire before it got any worse.
Firefighters arrived shortly after to make sure the blaze would not reignite.
A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said a pool motor overheating was what triggered the fire.
The fire happened on the same street where homicide detectives allege Ms Drane was murdered sometime between Saturday and Monday by her 54-year-old son Andre Lafayette Drane.
Mr Drane made his first appearance at Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He limped onto the stand, wearing handcuffs, a plain white T-shirt and jeans.
The 54-year-old only spoke to say he understood the charge. His matter was adjourned so he could seek legal advice and bail was not considered.
He will next appear in the Stirling Garden’s Magistrates court on May 29.
The West Australian understands police were first called to the scene on Monday by one of Ms Drane’s neighbours.
It’s understood that neighbour found blood — including bloody footprints — near their home.