Southern Border Rural Fire Services inspector Charles Anderson said investigators suspected an electrical spark started the fire in grass in the property on Federation Way near the Coreen pub at 3.20pm. 

He said the fire, covering up to three hectares, spread to the house, outbuildings and cars before firefighters gained control of it. 

Mr Anderson said the owner of the property was there at the time and tried to save his home. 

He said fire investigators would assess the cause of the blaze this week.