House fire accident police say

Alex de Vos
A house fire that killed a mother and her four children at Clifton Springs on Sunday was accidental, according to police.
Twenty-four-year-old Ashlee Hol-loway and sons Brodie, Thomas, Cooper and Mackenzie, all aged under two, died inside their Clifton Springs home when it caught fire in the early hours of Sunday.
Ms Ashlee’s husband and the boys’ father, 31-year-old Aaron Holloway, remains in Geelong Hospital in a stable condition after a neighbour pulled him from the blaze.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told the Independent investigating officers had ruled out suspicious circumstances.
Investigators were now treating the fire as accidental, the spokesperson said.
However, it was too early to determine the exact cause of the fire.
“The house has been completely gutted as a result of the fire and the property next door has also been severely damaged,” the spokesperson said.
“Early indicators reveal the fire was not suspicious but the reason for the blaze is yet to be established.”
Mr Holloway, who was unable to save his family in the fire, escaped the burning home through a front door.
He suffered burns, abrasions and smoke inhalation.
On Monday, Mr Holloway issued a statement from the hospital requesting the media respect the family’s privacy while members grieved for his wife and children.
“I appreciate the support and interest in recent events concerning myself and my family, but we would like to be left to grieve,” Mr Holloway said.
Police asked anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.