Firefighters were called to a home on Comer Street in Henty about 3.20am on Monday.

Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Stewart Alexander said the home was “well and truly alight” when the Henty and Culcairn brigades arrived.

“The lounge room area is completely destroyed by fire,” he said.

“The roof collapsed in that area.

“The rest of the house has been severely damaged by smoke, fire and heat.

“There were no unaffected areas.”

A male occupant, who rented the home, was alerted by a smoke alarm and managed to escape without injury.

Inspector Alexander said the damage to the lounge room suggested the fire likely started there, but a cause has not been determined.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious.

It followed major house fires in Wahgunyah on November 2, Thurgoona on November 22 and a fire at a vacant Lavington caravan park office on November 28.

“There has been a spate, certainly, with several in Albury and this one in Henty, but they’re not connected,” Inspector Alexander said.  

“Winter is more prevalent for house fires with more heating in use, but at this time of year Christmas tree decorations present a risk as well.

“People should be very alert to the dangers of Christmas lights.”

Detective Inspector Winston Woodward said the cause may have been something as simple as a cable not being properly fixed, but investigations were ongoing. 

The two bedroom home has been for sale for several months for 130,000. 

Inspector Alexander said the incident showed the importance of smoke alarms, which were in use at the house. 

“Working alarms will safe your life and are required by law anywhere where people sleep,” he said.  

“With a multi-level building, like a two-storey home, at least one is required on each level.”