A BUILDING fire has guttered a garage and appears to have damaged the main structure of a modern home in Cowes, after neighbours reported hearing two loud bangs before emergency services arrived on the scene of a fully involved fire just before lunchtime today. 

According to police, who attended the scene, the fire is believe to have started from an electrical fault in the garage with no suspicious circumstances reported at this stage. 

It's understood a male occupant was home at the time and has been affected by smoke inhalation with paramedics taking the occupant to hospital as a precaution. It's also been reported the individual came out of the house in a blackened state with part of his clothing burnt. He attempted to then re-enter the property to rescue his two dogs but was encouraged by neighbours to remain outside. The dogs were found safe and well behind the house. 

A significant number of Bass Coast CFA brigades attended the structure fire, with a large number of firefighters using breathing apparatus and working in pairs to bring the fire to a cease. Firefighters could be seen being hosed down in their protective structure gear from debris and smoke, and receiving support after the firefight. 

A large number of emergency services were in attendance including Bass Coast Police, Ambulance Victoria paramedics and CFA personnel. 

A separate neighbour, unaware of the fire, was relieved to return home to find the quick action of firefighters had saved their own house and prevented the spread of the fire to surrounding properties.