It was an early morning arson attack on a ground floor car park that turned deadly.
As the blaze roared through a garage belonging to some Parramatta units about 5am on June 5, 81-year-old John Flamish woke then rushed downstairs to try to extinguish the flames.
Mr Flamish, who had been staying in a friend's unit, suffered smoke inhalation and collapsed. He was rushed to Westmead Hospital but died a short time later.
Specialist police have released dark footage of a man caught on security footage from a nearby business as they investigate who lit the Early Street blaze.
Strike Force Badsi, comprising investigators from the Property Crime Squad's Arson Unit and Parramatta detectives, was set up to investigate the deliberately lit fire.
The closed-circuit television footage shows a person, believed to be carrying a bag, running northbound along Church Street and crossing the Great Western Highway about the time of the fire.
"While we have already spoken with dozens of residents and other witnesses, investigators are keen to speak with the person in the footage," Property Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman said.
"We believe that person may have information that will assist us with our inquiries and help us provide answers about the circumstances of Mr Flamish's death to his family.
"If anyone has information that may assist us, including motorists who were driving through the area at the time and noticed something suspicious, we would love to hear from you."
