One man is dead after a fire engulfed two residential units at Kingsgate Village retirement village in Kilmore just after 6am on Wednesday, July 26.
Twenty-one emergency emergency service vehicles, including 80 firefighters, responded to the incident. Forty residents from surrounding units were evacuated.
The occupants of one unit escaped before it was completely destroyed by fire.
The body of a man 78 year old man was located inside the second unit, which was partially destroyed by fire.
The blaze was controlled and residentswere able to return to their units.
Mitchell Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Arson and Explosives Squad detectives and an arson chemist were on scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au