Historic Homebush house burns

Tue Jan 31: Police have established a crime scene and are investigating a suspicious house fire in Burlington Road, Homebush after neighbours alerted the fire brigade  on Monday night that the historic Camden Lodge was on fire.

Emergency services were called to the vacant historic home about 11.25pm, where they located the fire in the roof. Neighbours in Burlington Road were fearful that the fire would spread to adjoining properties.

image: Police on site at Camden Lodge on Burlington Road, Homebush after the fire.

“We heard a strange sound, looked out the window and saw sparks,” said a neighbour. “By the time the fire brigade arrived, about ten to fifteen minutes later, the roof was on fire and the flames were high. With the hot night, many neighbours were afraid the fire could spread.”

The fire was extinguished quickly but the questions will take time to answer. The heritage listed house has been the subject of community concern since it was bought by the Mayor of Auburn, Ronny Oueik (also a director of a construction company) and his wife Faten in June, 2009. The couple lodged a Development Application to demolish the dwelling in 2010, but  withdrew the application in 2011.   

Strathfield Council general manager, David Backhouse inspected the damaged dwelling early this morning.

“They’ve made a mess of it,” Mr Backhouse said referring to the damage to Camden Lodge. “The forensic police are now examining the house to determine the cause of the fire.”

Mr Backhouse confirmed that Strathfield Council had refused two applications to demolish the property, “primarily on heritage grounds. There were a lot of neighbourhood objections,” he said.

It is believed that Mrs Oueik purchased another house on Shortland Avenue in Strathfield late last year.  

Police are, as yet, unable to determine the cause of the fire, saying that the structure is too dangerous at this time.

Camden Lodge was built in 1916 on a double block in prime Strathfield real estate and was formerly owned by Arthur Bush (of A.J.Bush and sons butchers) from 1942 until after his death in 2007, after which the property was sold.

Camden Lodge, as it was sold, in 2008.

Camden Lodge by mid 2010.