THE Wahgunyah community is rallying behind a man who lost everything when fire destroyed his home on Wednesday afternoon.

Clint Brown was at the Empire Hotel in the town’s main street when flames started to engulf his weatherboard home of 18 years.

Neighbours used garden hoses to try and douse the flames while waiting for firefighters to arrive.

“I am very thankful to those who helped out but there was no saving the house,” Mr Brown, a former CFA member, said.

Fire investigators were called off yesterday morning after it was established an electrical fault in the air conditioner sparked the fire.

“It was getting hot so I turned it on and went to the pub for some beers,” Mr Brown said.

“I got home and she was fully alight.”

The former electrician, who lives alone was not insured, is unable to work and is receiving worker’s compensation.

“These things can happen, but you never think it will happen to you,” Mr Brown said.

“Motors do explode and it’s pushed the flames through the vents and that’s the end of the story.

“There was nothing that could be salvaged.

“I’m still in shock, it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Neighbour Garry Lane, who lives opposite, was home at the time of the fire.

“It was pretty eventful for a quiet street,” he said.

“There were about eight fire engines in the street.”

Mr Lane said neighbours began using garden hoses while they waited for firefighters.

“It just goes to show how useless a garden hose is when you are up against a house fire,” he said.

Mr Lane said the community was already rallying to help.

A Facebook page has been set up to take donations, while those at the Empire Hotel on Wednesday night bought lottery tickets for Mr Brown.

“The neighbours have been great, offering me a place to sleep last night,” he said.

“I have also taken up an offer to live at a friend’s house in Wahgunyah.

“She had a place sitting there because she has moved in with her boyfriend.

“She has given me the keys and said it’s mine for as long and I want.”

To donate to the appeal, phone the Empire Hotel on (02) 6033 1094.