UPDATE 8.30am Wednesday:
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A 41-year-old Wendouree man has been arrested and charged over Tuesday afternoon's fire in Grandview Grove.
Ballarat CIU said the man was in custody and expected to appear in Ballarat Magistrates Court today.
UPDATE 7am Wednesday:
Police have confirmed no one was home at the time the Grandview Grove blaze was reported.
Officers said the cause is yet to be determined, but the fire is being "treated as suspicious at this stage".
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to call 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
EARLIER:
The CFA has handed over what has been described as a "possible suspicious house fire" to Ballarat Police.
The home in Grandview Grove, Wendouree was reported on fire at 1.52pm on Tuesday - with passers-by spotting smoke coming from under the roof tiles.
Firefighters from Wendouree CFA and Ballarat City FRV and Lucas FRV donned breathing apparatus to reach the flames, using a ladder and taking tiles from the roof to gain entry.
Windows and doors were also forced open on the single-storey brick home.
Their yellow suits were black by the time they left the building and each firefighter was thoroughly hosed down before changing out of their gear.
The blaze was under control by 2.10pm.
Police in marked cars blocked off the Grandview Grove/Marie Crescent area, which officers said was expected to remain closed for several hours.
Detectives in unmarked vehicles also turned up. They worked with other police to speak with witnesses and doorknock other properties, including the nearby Webconna Bowls Club.
The home was later taped off, and at 2.30pm the scene was declared safe.
The CFA said Powercor had been notified.
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