Resident returns to find South Hobart house on fire

The Tasmania Fire Service has issued a warning about leaving items too close to wood heaters after a fire caused tens of thousands of dollars damage to a suburban home.

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TENS of thousands of dollars damage was caused to a South Hobart home after materials left too close to a wood heater caused fire to spread.

The Tasmania Fire Service said Hobart and Mount Nelson crews responded to the Strickland Rd structure fire about 1am on Saturday after a resident returning home alerted authorities when they discovered a smoke alarm was sounding.

Upon entering the house, crews wearing breathing apparatus found a fire had damaged flooring beside a wood heater.

Investigations found the uncontrolled fire started due to combustible material left too close to the heater.

Damage was estimated at around $60,000.

The TFS warned heat from a heater can ignite flammable material if it is placed too close to the heater. It recommends items are placed at least two metres away from a heater.