Naracoorte house gutted by fire, leaving $300,000 damage bill

Video of a fierce fire that destroyed a Naracoorte home in the middle of the night shows the intensity of the blaze and reaction from frightened neighbours.

An early morning house fire in Naracoorte left a smouldering ruin and huge damage bill as emergency crews work to secure the site for investigators.

Firefighters were called to Jenkins Tce in Naracoorte just after 3.30am on Friday after the blaze left one resident with minor injuries.

The man walked to Naracoorte Hospital, also located on Jenkins Tce, while the other resident was not home at the time.

Neighbour Jasmine Guthridge was sleeping when she and her partner were woken by a loud bang on the door.

Ms Guthridge said her partner got up to see what made the noise before he saw the glow of the flames from a window.

“He opened the door and then he came running back in and said the next door house is on fire,” she said.

This Naracoorte house has been left in ruins after fire tore through it early Friday morning, causing an estimated $300,000 worth of damage. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Neighbours Nick Wimshurst and Amy Mattschoss feared sparks from the blaze would set other properties alight. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Ms Guthridge said firefighters were quick to respond and were on scene minutes after being called.

She said she was “freaking out” that flames would spread to the trees that dot her property.

Other neighbours Nick Wimshurst and Amy Mattschoss said you could see sparks flying off the roof.

“You could just hear all the roof tiles collapsing in – that’s what we were worried about,” Mr Wimshurst said.

“So we grabbed all the cash and everything and loaded up the car just in case.”

The home has been left in ruins but no one was seriously injured. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Neighbours could hear the sound of roof tiles collapsing from the heat of the blaze. Picture: Arj Ganesan

It is understood the man’s dog was seen outside the property, leaving neighbours also concerned for its welfare.

“His dog was at our gate just howling and frantic,” Mr Wimshurst said.

The white staffordshire cross was seen running back and forth in clear distress.

The fire apparently started in the rear garden before spreading to the house and causing roughly $300,000 worth of damage.

It is not clear if the blaze was deliberately lit, with fire cause investigators needing help from the SES to secure the building.

Police asked for members of the public to stay away as asbestos poses a hazard.

A CFS spokesman said the incident was a reminder to ensure smoke alarms are in working order and up-to-date.