Wangaratta man Brody Rouse back home after being burnt in fire

Brody Rouse was airlifted to hospital after the incident on Raymond Street on June 17.

A wood heater caused a shed he was living in at the back of a home to catch alight.

His friend escaped but the 21-year-old was trapped for a short time as he looked for an escape.

Mr Rouse managed to flee out of a window but returned to the burning structure in a bid to save his dog, Roy.

The animal passed away and the 21-year-old was left with burns to 45 per cent of his upper body.

He spent 15 days in hospital after being airlifted to Melbourne, including a stint in an induced coma, and recently returned to Wangaratta.

"In the last few nights I've been having nightmares, just thinking about how quickly it went up and losing my dog," he said.

"It's hard to realise I've got to start again.

"I've got to build my life back up."

But the Wangaratta man has been buoyed by the support of friends, family and strangers.

A fundraiser launched by his friend Brielle Ross has generated more than $4400 in donations.

She is also running a raffle through her business, Tangledup Hair and Beauty, to help Mr Rouse get back on his feet and assist him while he spends time off work.

"I can't even explain how thankful I am for her and Tony (her fiance) for what they've been doing," he said.

"It made me cry when I found out how much she's actually done and supported me.

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"Heaps of people have been in touch, it's surprising how many people out there have a heart and want to help out.

"It's surprising how quick the word has gotten out."

Mr Rouse continues to receive treatment with an ongoing risk of infection.

He said the burns to his hands had been particularly painful.

It's expected to take a month before he can return to his job as an apprentice diesel mechanic.

Police are treating the fire as an accident.

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