The blaze on Burns Street was called in shortly after 9am and is believed to have started near a wood heater inside the home. 

The fire is not being treated as suspicious. 

Bendigo CFA senior station officer Tim Bruechert said two cats were inside at the time of the incident, but only was was able to be saved from the fire.

The fire was the second in as many days firefighters believe were related to household heaters following a separate incident in Strathdale overnight, and Mr Bruechert said Monday morning’s fire should also serve as a warning for residents.

“Certainly be very careful with your heaters, particularly when you’re starting them, don’t use any flammable material other than firelighters [and] make sure the flues and chimneys are cleaned out,” he said.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.