Neerim South man dies in house fire

An 83-year-old Neerim South man died in his home early Sunday morning when he was unable to escape his burning home.

Fire destroyed the Main Rd house shortly after 6.30am. A passer-by alerted the CFA and police at 6.35am when they saw smoke coming from the house.

The Neerim South CFA was on the scene within minutes followed by units from Drouin West, Nilma North, Warragul, Drouin and Traralgon.

Police said the single-storey, weatherboard house was built in the 1920s and burned very quickly.

CFA and police were aware the occupant was unaccounted for when they arrived at the scene. The 83-year-old man was found by CFA members in the kitchen area. Police said it appeared the man was trying to get to the back door of the house.

The fire is not suspicious. Police said early investigations indicated the seat of the fire was in a solid fuel heater in the living room.

Police said it was a timely warning to residents to ensure their fire alarms are in working order and people with fire places or solid fuel heaters to ensure adequate maintenance and checks are undertaken.

Baw Baw CIU detectives are investigating the fire. Fire investigators and an arson chemist also attended the fire scene.

Detectives will prepare a report for the coroner.

Another fire at a house in Wagners Rd, Neerim South on Thursday afternoon has been deemed not suspicious.

Police said the property owner went inside his home at 3.30pm after working in the paddock and discovered smoke in the house.

The man saw smoke coming from a switch in the laundry.