St Clair fire: Multiple families left homeless for Christmas after arsonist strikes townhouse

Several Adelaide families have been left devastated after an arsonist targeted a townhouse overnight.

Residents believe a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the front door of the Stallion Drive property in St Clair about 10.30pm

Flames quickly spread, taking hold of multiple neighbouring properties.  

“It was a really big flame actually… a really loud noise,” resident Karthic Jayael told 9News.

The owner of the property where the blaze began raced into her burning home to save her pet cat.

“She drove in and went in to get her cat and got smoke inhalation,” fellow resident Sue Mala said.

Firefighters battled to keep it from burning down the entire row of homes, as police evacuated around a dozen properties.

Neighbours who returned to their damaged homes this morning said it's a terrible blow to their festive plans.

“I don’t have power.. so close to Christmas  we have refrigerators and freezer full of food ready for Christmas,” Ms Mala said.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Watch the full news bulletin on 9Now