Melbourne mum fighting for life after ‘suspicious’ house fire started with six kids inside

A Melbourne mother of six is fighting for her life after her house was set alight, allegedly by her husband, while the family were inside the home.

Kylie Griffiths, 36, is in a critical condition after she was severely burned while protecting her children from the blaze at her Albanvale home on Monday afternoon.

Neighbours assisted in pulling Kylie’s children, one of them just nine-months-old, from the burning home before the roof collapsed.

Kylie, along with her husband Rowland Griffiths and their teenage daughter, were all rushed to hospital.

Their 17-year-old daughter remains in a stable condition in hospital with minor burns, while Mr Griffiths, 38, is in hospital under police guard with non-life-threatening injuries.

The other five children do not reportedly have any injuries.

Mr Griffiths will remain under police guard after they alleged he purposely ignited the fire using a flammable liquid that triggered an explosion.

Frightened neighbours told 7NEWS they witnessed the chaos unfolding on their street and raced outside to help.

“My husband was out the front and he heard a big pop and we saw a girl running down the street with her legs burnt and her shorts burnt,” they said.

“I saw a young boy running with the two dogs and I asked him what’s wrong and he told the house was on fire,” another added.

“I did see the dad as well he came out, I don’t know if he had blood on him or he was completely burnt but he was all red and he was sort of screaming and wailing.”

Neighbours also allege they often heard the couple arguing, and even saw the accused husband standing on the front lawn threatening to blow up the house just a few weeks ago.

An investigation was launched following the incident as forensic officers and arson squad detectives combed through the crime scene on Tuesday searching for answers.

Their investigation is still ongoing.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491