A fire investigation has indicated the fire most likely started by an electrical fault in the bedroom.

Believed to be caused by a faulty powerboard, or one that was overloaded with electronics, the fire extensively damaged the room before entering the roof.

The fire has made the house "uninhabitable", Commander Pearce said.

He urged community members not to overload powerboards and to ensure all electrical appliances were in good working order.

He also warned against leaving devices unattended while they charge.

EARLIER:

A house has been extensively damaged by a fire in Alfredton this morning.

Fire crews were called to the fire about 10.15am, with reports flames were coming out of the house in Montadale Court.

Multiple fire crews arrived at the scene within minutes, including numerous Fire Rescue Victoria crews- pumper 67b and ladder platform 67 as well as pumper 68, hazmat 68 from Lucas. Upon leaving the Lucas station, firefighters could see dark smoke billowing into the sky.

FRV Commander Anthony Pearce told The Courier that fire crews arrived on scene to find the house "fully involved with the roof starting to collapse in the middle".

There were initially grave fears that children were inside the house as it burned.

"Firefighters undertook an aggressive attack from the outside to try to knock the fire down. It wasn't safe to enter to start with but then they did go in and search at risk to look for the children," he said.

After about 10 "hectic" minutes of searching while police tried to get hold of parties to confirm the children weren't home, firefighters established that the children were not inside the house.

As shocked neighbours watched the emergency response, the incident was declared under control about 10.43am.

FRV crews were later assisted by the Country Fire Authority's Wendouree brigade.

All agencies attended the incident, including firefighters, police, paramedics and the gas and power companies.

IN OTHER NEWS

The fire burned through most of the roof, causing a gaping hole visible from the outside, while the home was extensively damaged by heat and smoke.

Firefighters utilised the ladder platform from FRV station 67 to douse the remaining flames in the roof, but will remain on scene for several hours to ensure the blaze is fully extinguished.

While firefighters will ensure the scene is safe and that the roof does not collapse, a municipal building inspector will also attend.

The home will most likely need to be knocked down and rebuilt.

It does not appear any neighbouring properties were damaged.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told The Courier that he first noticed black smoke billowing from the property.

He then saw flames coming from the roof, which he described as about five metres high.

As one man tried to jump the fence, the neighbour said he desperately banged on the front door of the house to alert the occupants if they were inside.

He said the incident was "traumatic" but he was glad nobody was injured.

The occupants of the home will be supported with accommodation and other needs.

There are multiple police units still at the scene and while the cause is undetermined, a crime scene has been established.

Fire investigators will attend the scene today to determine the cause of the blaze.

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