Gnowangerup alleged arsonist appears in court after blaze that completely destroyed home on Hughes Street

The identity of man accused of lighting a fire that destroyed a Gnowangerup home has been revealed, as he faced court the day after the alleged incident. Andrew Arthur Woods, 47, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court in police custody on Wednesday morning after being charged with criminal damage by fire. The 47-year-old from Gnowangerup was charged after the alleged incident on Hughes Street on Tuesday, near the centre of the Great Southern town. Aboriginal Legal Service duty lawyer Raymond Muir made no application for bail, and the case was adjourned to December 9. Mr Muir requested other charges against Mr Woods listed in Katanning also be brought forward to that date in Albany. Department of Fire and Emergency Services crews from Gnowangerup, Katanning, Borden and Kojonup rushed to the scene after receiving multiple triple-0 calls just after noon on Tuesday. The blaze had fully engulfed the small home by 12.15pm. Police told reporters on Monday afternoon the sole occupant of the home was inside when the fire started but had evacuated. The Herald understands the man did not require medical treatment but later was admitted to Gnowangerup District Hospital. The blaze was deemed suspicious, and detectives arrived on the scene to conduct further investigations about 5pm.