Australasian Biker News
Fink's home gutted by fire
Sarah Vogler
10May08
A HIGH-profile bikie gang member temporarily let go of his tough image
yesterday as he watched his new home go up in flames.
Finks Motorcycle Club member Sven Kelly was visibly distressed as he
turned up to look at the smouldering remains of the house, in Riverview
Road, Nerang, that he had just started renting.
The four-bedroom, two-storey brick and tile home was all but destroyed
after a fire broke out in the rear about 6am.
The damage bill is expected to be in excess of $300,000.
When he arrived at the scene Mr Kelly yelled at nearby media
photographers but soon quietened down as he began comforting his
devastated girlfriend.
It is believed Mr Kelly began the process of moving into the home on
Wednesday and had a 'gentlemen's agreement' with the owner to buy it in
the future.
Sources said he had moved hardly any furniture into the home but had
spent time and a large amount of money renovating it.
Police and firefighters were called to the home at 6.10am.
Meanwhile, rural firefighter David Heck spotted smoke, as he was filling
up his fire truck's water tank at a nearby service station across the
highway, and rushed to help.
Mr Heck said he did not have much water in the tank but he used what he
had to try to save the home.
Southport fire station officer Tony Chicco said the home was engulfed by
fire when the brigade arrived. "We believe the fire started in the back
of the home," said Mr Chicco.
He said the house was filled with smoke and firefighters forced entry to
see if anyone was trapped inside. "The house was unoccupied," he said.
Apart from the flames, firefighters also had to deal with asbestos which
was released into the air by the blaze.
Investigators wearing breathing apparatus entered the home to
investigate the cause, alongside police scientific officers.
A Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the fire was mainly
in the kitchen area. He said it was 'undetermined' whether an accelerant
had been found but said samples were taken for testing.
It is believed police will continue to treat the fire as suspicious
until the results of those tests are known.