One of the occupants of the house, Brian Swale (left), studies the ruins yesterday, along with chief fire officer of Clyde Volunteer fire brigade Richard Davidson and officer in charge at the scene Matt Murphy.
Fire crews from Clyde, Alexandra and Cromwell brigades attended the blaze, which was fanned by strong northwest winds, Mr Murphy said.
Three occupants were in the Fache St house - Maggie Wardill (74), her son and granddaughter.
All escaped safely, although Ms Wardill was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Her husband, Brian Swale (77), had been at church in Alexandra when he heard several fire sirens.
''I didn't stay around for a cup of tea, and when I got to the Springvale Rd intersection, I thought the smoke looked pretty close to our home.''
He said the family were shaken by the fire.
Although the family's pet rabbit had been found by firefighters alive and well, he had fears for the safety of Rosie, the family's terrier/poodle cross dog.
All his camera gear, photos and books had been destroyed in the blaze.
Mr Murphy said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire from the lower storey of the house as well as from outside.
The fire had started on the upstairs balcony but the cause was still being investigated, he said.
High winds made things challenging for the firefighters and the focus was on preventing the blaze spreading to neighbouring homes.
