AUTHORITIES are warning local residents to be extra vigilant when it comes to heating their homes this winter following a serious house fire.
Lake Boga CFA captain Michael Tempini said fire crews were called out to the blaze at the McCoy Lane property at about 1.45am last Wednesday.
The young family living in the home “were extremely lucky” and escaped the fire unscathed.
“Probably about three quarters of the property was destroyed… luckily the smoke woke the occupants up and they got the children [aged three years and eight years] out safely,” Mr Tempini said.
Swan Hill police also attended the scene and confirmed the fire was not suspicious.
“At this stage we believe it was caused by an open fire,” Detective Senior Constable Mick Corridan said.
“It’s a timely reminder for people to be careful of woodfires and to make sure the smoke alarms are activated.”
The CFA is still investigating the fire.
