A house fire in Hoon Hay has left a young father and his 5-year-old daughter homeless.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 7.20AM.

A Fire and Emergency spokesman said appliances from Wigram, Spreydon and Ilam stations responded.

Fire and Emergency recovery teams also responded to the scene to help the occupants.

The fire was not suspicious and police were called to help with traffic control.

Senior Fire Safety Officer Wayne Hamilton told Chris Lynch Media the fire started after a school bag was placed too near a heater.

“Thankfully the family had smoke alarms and a fire escape plan and were able to leave the house immediately.”

It’s a sad reminder to remember the rule a metre from a heater at least.”

The flames quickly spread throughout the house.

He said “it was humbling to see neighbours and several community charities providing immediate support to the family.”

The father, Samuel, age 25, and his daughter Tia-rangi, were fortunately able to escape the inferno without injury.

The trauma of the event was evident in Samuel’s words, “It has left us traumatised and sad.

My daughter and I were just crying on the side of the road.”

The father and daughter were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs as the fire destroyed all of their belongings.

They are currently homeless and have been forced to find temporary shelter.

A Give a Little Page has been set up to help the family.