Peter David Hamilton appears in Mount Gambier Court after being arrested for allegedly starting Elizabeth Vale house fire

The man accused of lighting a blaze that gutted his own home has faced court for the first time.

The scene outside the Elizabeth Vale home after the fire about 1am on Thursday. Picture 7NEWS

The man charged with setting fire to the Elizabeth Vale home of a family of five can be named for the first time.

Peter David Hamilton, 38, of Elizabeth Vale, appeared in Mount Gambier Magistrate Court on Friday, January 12, after he was arrested and charged with arson and property damage the day before.

Just before 1am on Thursday, January 11, fire crews were called to a Plaitford Street property after black smoke was reported coming out of a home.

The house was home to Catherine Rose Hamilton and her four daughters, including a six-month-old baby.

The property was home to a mother and her four daughters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire before it could spread to adjoining and nearby properties.

Peter Hamilton was arrested over the incident near Mount Gambier about 9.15am Thursday morning.

The Mount Gambier Magistrates court heard the Elizabeth Vale property Hamilton allegedly set alight was solely owned by him and Catherine’s name was not on the title.

Hamilton did not apply for bail on Friday, but his lawyer said he may do so in the coming week.

The court heard forensic analysis of the crime scene would take approximately six to eight months to determine a cause.

Hamilton’s next court appearance will be at Adelaide’s Magistrate Court in August.