The cause of the fire which consumed the kitchen and lounge of an Old Bridge Rd house is still yet to be determined but firefighters say the damage could have been a lot worse.
It started in the kitchen while the owners were away and was smouldering for some time before smoke was noticed by a neighbour.
It spread to the lounge but because the owners had closed internal doors when they left, bedrooms, bathrooms and other areas of the house were relatively undamaged.
Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Mark Hutton said a normal internal house door could hold fire back for up to half an hour.
Even when the occupants of a house are away, working smoke alarms could alert neighbours or passers-by almost as soon as a fire starts, potentially saving more of the house, he said.
''Fire safety recommendations are that every sleeping area has a photo-electric, long-life battery smoke alarm.''
Home owner Nug Dowling declined to comment other than to say he had nothing but praise for the quick action of the fire brigade and prompt attention of his insurance company.
Officer in charge Shane Ryan said the fire appeared to be accidental and the cause would probably be finalised today.
