Crews were notified of the fire at about 6.30pm, which was believed to have started in the kitchen.

The Lansdowne Rural Fire Service crew attended first but by the time they arrived, the house was fully engulfed by flame.

They were quick to the scene as they were set to have a meeting at the nearby station.

Taree, Coopernook and Harrington brigades were joined by two Taree Fire and Rescue units soon after.

The crews could not salvage the house and worked to ensure the fire didn’t spread.

Water had to be relayed from a dam about 400 metres from the house to replenish stocks.

The roof collapsed under the pressure of the fire, with just the outer shell left after the fire was extinguished.

 A female occupant was at home but escaped injury.

Crews spent about five hours at the site. 

Police and ambulance crews also attended.