Port Hedland house fire: Crucial evidence that could determine cause of tragic blaze that killed three kids

These small coffee-like tins could hold vital clues to determining exactly how a Port Hedland house fire — in which three young siblings perished — was started. Arson squad investigators, who are helping homicide investigators with the painstaking investigation into the tragedy, were spotted leaving the Anderson Street home with the small metal cans — similar to coffee tins — on Thursday. It is believed those metal cans contain samples and pieces of evidence taken from the burnt-out home. The West Australian understands the charred samples could take days or even weeks to be analysed, meaning it could still be some time before investigators understand fully exactly how the fire began. It is anticipated the samples will be sent to Perth for further testing, the results of which could give detectives new and vital clues as to the cause and origin of the fire which started on Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters discovered the siblings — a 10-year-old girl, a seven-year-old boy and a five-month-old baby boy — after they were called to the blaze and extinguished the flames about 4.45pm on Tuesday. The victims are not being named or pictured for cultural reasons. Their mother was taken into police custody and was assisting with inquiries before she was flown to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service on Thursday evening for “further specialist treatment”. No charges have been laid but the investigation is ongoing. Detectives were still at the Anderson Street property on Friday morning after the bodies of the siblings were removed from the home so an autopsy could be done. A flood of community support has been shown through a memorial of flowers and teddy bears against a gum tree, which is now surrounded by solar and fairy lights. A GoFundMe page, created by respected Indigenous teacher Adeline Monaghan, is raising funds for the children’s funeral costs. “Our family lost three precious lives on Tuesday, the 19th of July 2022 in Port Hedland,” she wrote. “(A) 10-year-old, 7-year-old and a 5-month-old. “In this incredibly painful and tough time, we ask for assistance in helping raise some much-needed funeral funds.” The Department of Communities confirmed earlier this week that the house was owned by the State Government and that the family “is known to the Department”. However, the Department has so far refused to answer questions about the context of that contact. “As the matter is still subject to an ongoing WA Police investigation, the Department of Communities is unable to provide further comment”.