Central West Police District detectives are appealing for information following a house fire in Orange in mid-2023, as investigations continue under Strike Force Yaluma.
A woman died and two children were injured after a house caught fire on Pimpala Place on Saturday 3 June 2023, in an incident investigators believe is suspicious.
Emergency services were called to the home about 5.45am the same day and found the building well-alight.
Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW entered the building and rescued two children; they were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics suffering the effects of smoke inhalation. The two were taken to Orange Base Hospital.
A short time later, firefighters located a woman in the front room; however, she was unable to be revived.
A crime scene was established with specialist fire investigators and scene of crime officers called to assist.
An extensive complement of police resources has been dedicated to the investigation under Strike Force Yaluma - with the assistance of State Crime Command's Homicide Squad - including forensic and scientific testing with NSW Fire and Rescue, electrical engineering and forensic specialists.
Supt Luke Rankin, Central West Police District Commander, said police investigations have been far-reaching as detectives work to uncover the circumstances of the incident.
"Investigators have left no stone unturned as they explore all possibilities as to the cause of this fire, including intentional actions which may have resulted in the fire, and death of a woman," Supt Rankin said.
"Police have not ruled out the possibility domestic violence may have had a role to play in this incident.
"Further enquiries continue, with forensic testing on several items that may provide critical information as to the circumstances surrounding this suspicious house fire.
"As police continue their tireless work to uncover a resolution, I urge any member of the public who has information that could be pertinent to this investigation to contact Central West Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
