A FIRE that destroyed a Corowa home is believed to have started in the kitchen.
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The blaze, which broke out early Saturday morning, is being treated as suspicious.
Police are working to determine the cause of the fire, which started when the owner was home.
The man, aged in his 50s, was uninjured during the incident.
Fire and Rescue NSW Corowa station commander Lindsay Bush said 16 firefighters were needed to put out the blaze.
“It was fully engulfed on arrival and we started attacking from the outside – we contained the fire in 20 minutes,” he said.
“Wahgunyah CFA assisted and Albury came down to take calls while we were tied up.”
Mr Bush said the owner escaped the fire but the house was gutted.
“The fire probably caused about 80 per cent damage to the property and 20 per cent damage was smoke and water,” he said.
“It’s being treated as suspicious.”
The fire started about 12.50am and the incident was declared safe at 1.50am.
Police attended the scene to investigate.
The prefabricated house was left uninhabitable.
Mr Bush said the flames caused so much damage that it was hard to work out where the fire started.
“We believe it was in the kitchen, towards that area,” he said.
“It’s hard to say due to the damage.
“We’ve left the investigation up to the police.”
Mr Bush did not say why the fire was considered suspicious.
It was the second major fire in the region in a week.
James Doyle and his son Sash ran from their Springdale Heights home on June 18.
Sash had been cooking chips in oil at the Kiama Street house and forgot to turn off the stove.
An online fundraiser for the family has raised close to $300.
While the Corowa fire is being treated as suspicious, Mr Bush said people needed to be cautious during the colder months.
“Just be mindful of heaters and putting clothes in front of them,” he said.
“Be vigilant and make sure things are safe.
“Have a working smoke alarm and make sure evacuation plans are in place.”
Anyone with information can call (02) 6023 9299 or 1800 333 000.