It caught fire in some way last night, about eight o'clock.
There was a high wind blowing, and the house has been burnt to the ground.

Not only that, but, as the weather has been dry, the whole of the trees and shrubs and undergrowth in the park have gone likewise.

I am informed that everything within the circle of that wall is a heap of ashes.

Quite a burning of Rome," chuckled Caranby.
"Do you suspect the house was set on fire ?" "Of course I do.

Even though the weather is hot, I don't think this can be a case of spontaneous combustion.