Four escape Gray St Mt Martha home after flames spread through property and damage neighbouring house

Shocked neighbours rushed to help four adults and a dog when fire tore through their Mt Martha house, with details of the frantic rescue revealed. WATCH VIDEO

Shocked neighbours rushed to help four adults and a dog when a fire tore through part of a Mt Martha house last night.

A garage on the side of the Gray St property caught alight about 8pm and flames quickly spread to a large gum tree overhanding part the of brick house.

A man, believed to be one of the occupants, tried to protect the house by using a garden hose but retreated to safety after firefighters arrived.

A woman desperately tried to catch a dog until a neighbour stepped in and helped corral the panicked pet.

The neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he was shocked at how quickly the flames took hold.

“That gum tree just went up. We’re lucky there was no wind and it’s the start of winter not the middle of summer,” he said.

All four units from the Mount Martha Fire Brigade were joined by a Mornington truck to fight the blaze.

A total of 16 firefighters took 90 minutes to control the fire and another 90 to ensure it was completely out.

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Mt Martha first lieutenant Peter Mason said the “aggressive” fire destroyed the garage, with a boat inside, and spread to the roof of the house.

“There was some damage to the kitchen as well,” Mr Mason said.

“It was a good save though.”

The house next door also had damage to a wall.

There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is being investigated.