Ararat Country Fire Authority operations manager Bernie Fradd said the cause of the fire was unknown and were treating it as suspicious.

“If you see something suspicious, say something and call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.

Police were on scene until fire investigators arrived at 9am to determine what sparked the blaze.

“There have been a number of fires across the state that should not have happened,” Mr Fradd said.

“We were very lucky there was no wind as that could have changed the outcome of Thursday morning’s fire.”