Quick response by FRV stops Preston house fire from spreading

At 5.15AM, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a structure fire at Butler Street, Preston, after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a double storey weatherboard house with smoke and flames issuing.

A couple and two children were able to evacuate the home after being alerted by a smoke alarm and were uninjured.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the home and attacked the fire at the back of the house.

The flames had also begun to spread to a neighbouring house, but through their quick work firefighters were able to protect it from any major damage.

Firefighters brought the blaze Under Control at 06.03AM, 42 minutes after arriving on scene.

A back room and outdoor area on the ground floor were significantly damaged, with smoke logging to the top level.

A neighbouring home sustained some damage to an external wall.

The fire is believed to have started by a mosquito coil or cigarette butt in the outdoor area of the home, but will be investigated further.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria assisted FRV on scene.