This morning, the pungent smell after a fire lingers in the air as neighbours emerge from their homes in the light of day to see the damage. The home has been taped off by police.

Emergency services were called to the Inglis Street residence, believed to be at last 150 years old, just after 12.00am.

Upon arrival, crews found the single storey weatherboard house to be fully involved, with fire coming out of the ceiling.

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It is understood the historic house had a shingle roof.

According to the Country Fire Authority, one occupant had been alerted to the fire by an installed smoke alarm and had already evacuated.

In all, 11 CFA crews responded to the fire from around the Ballan area. They were supported by Fire Rescue Victoria.

The blaze was brought under control just before 1am.

A CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire was believed to be clothing hung too close to a heating source.

While the fire is not being treated as suspicious, a fire investigator will attend the scene this morning.

A police spokesperson said police were not investigating as the cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental.

He said the tape had been placed around the property at the request of council to prevent access to the house until the structure is checked for safety reasons.

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