Firefighters were called to a Rubicon Street property at 2.30am. Police said an unknown person lit a pile of rubbish in the backyard of the house, that was not occupied.

CFA extinguished the fire and investigations are ongoing. 

At 3.55 am firefighters were called to another house fire in Rubicon Street, a few doors down.

The house was well alight and residents were inside. Firefighters evacuated the residents who were treated for smoke inhalation.

Police said the alarm was raised by a passerby. That fire is also being treated as suspicious. Fire investigators will be on scene to assess the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire. 

Ballarat Criminal Investigation unit police are currently on the scene and are investigating if the two fires are linked.