Trainee auto electrician Daniel Mackie said he had not heard from the child's mother but hoped he would be able to meet her and find out how the children were.
"It all happened so fast, and so randomly."
Mr Mackie said emergency services did not know about the rescue until it was reported by the Otago Daily Times. A firefighter had visited him at work yesterday and congratulated him.
His mother, Claire, said she was very proud of her son.
Landlord Clare Wereta, of Dunedin, has owned the four-bedroom house in Union St for seven years.
She said Denalla Rhodes and Sonny Yates had rented the property since February.
"They were good tenants. It's all been such a shock."
A friend of Ms Rhodes said the family was in shock and was now staying with extended family in Milton.
A family member also confirmed that four children - two infants aged 5-6 months, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old - were in the house when it caught fire.
The Otago Daily Times understands one of the children remains in Dunedin Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.
Milton Deputy Chief Fire Officer Robbie Philip confirmed yesterday the fire started in the kitchen while food was being cooked. The fire spread quickly and was well involved when Milton and Balclutha fire crews arrived. Firefighters had returned at 10.30pm on Wednesday night to dampen hot spots at the house.
The inside of the bungalow was gutted, with much of the damage visible from the exterior. A wash house partially attached to the house was the least damaged area, with half the door burned away.
Mr Philip said there were no smoke alarms in the house. The blaze was a reminder how important it was to have working smoke alarms so occupants could get out faster.
Salvation Army community ministries manager Kaye Bell, of Balclutha, said the group had been unable to contact the family but would give clothes or other practical items needed.
The ODT was also unable to contact the family.
