Elderly man charged over fatal Melbourne house fire

An 81-year-old man has been charged over a fatal house fire in suburban Melbourne.

The Wantirna man, who remains in hospital under guard, has been charged with arson causing death, and criminal damage by fire.

He's due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 23, arson squad detectives said today.

The body of a 76-year-old woman was found inside the Templeton Street home after the fire on December 11.