At 10:30am on Sunday, 22 September 2013, Tasmania Police responded to a house fire at Cross Street, Rosebery. The Tasmania Fire Service had arrived prior to police and extinguished the blaze.  The house, which had been vacant for some months, was totally destroyed. 

The fire was thought to be suspicious and a crime-scene watch was maintained overnight.   A Tasmania Fire Service fire investigator attended the property on Monday morning, 23 September 2013.  The fire investigation, coupled with police investigations, confirmed that the fire was suspicious. 

A child has been interviewed in the presence of a parent.  It has been confirmed that he was at the house when the fire took hold and that he had lit candles.   Investigations are continuing to determine if the fire was accidental or deliberate.  The child was not injured.

The property (including contents) was valued at approximately $200,000.  It was not insured.  The owner of the property is based on the north-west coast and is not related to the child.