The property owner, Alan Hardy, yesterday said the damage was devastating.

Mr Hardy said he was about to list the property for sale because he was unwell.

The fire at the Haddon School Rd property was first reported to Country Fire Authority crews about 11pm Thursday and caused at least $15,000 damage.

Mr Hardy said the property was empty and he had just finished weeks of cleaning before the fire.

"I have had it for probably 20 years," he said.

"I can't explain it, I just can't. I have spent several weeks cleaning it up and getting it ready to go. I can't see what thrill they get out of it.

"I'm lucky I took the curtains down otherwise the whole place could have gone up."

Smythesdale Police Leading Senior Constable Craig Grenfell said firefighters contained the fire to the front bedroom.

"It's a fire that has suspicious circumstances to it," he said.

"They have smashed the front window where the accelerant has been poured down the front of it and set alight.

"Although there is damage to the front room of the house and it was contained there, there is still substantial smoke damage throughout the rest of the house."

Lead Sen Const Grenfell asked for witnesses to come forward.

Mr Hardy said he would now begin the task of cleaning the property again.

CFA Smythesdale and Haddon brigades attended the fire which took about 20 minutes to bring under control.

Anyone with information should call Smythesdale Police on 5342 8524 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.