A father-of-two and his pet dog have been killed in a devastating house fire on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.
Les Crampton, his partner Wendy and their beloved pet pug were asleep when they were awoken by the sound of a fire alarm and the smell of smoke.
It is understood the couple initially escaped the flames but the 69-year-old became trapped after he went back inside the Ocean Grove home.
Les Crampton, his partner Wendy and their beloved pet pug were asleep when they were awoken by the sound of a fire alarm. (9News)
Crews pulled Crampton out, but he couldn’t be saved.
The couple’s pug also perished in the blaze.
Crampton is being remembered as a well-respected member of the community who enjoyed flying as a hobby.
“He was a wonderful man and it’s a terrible tragedy that’s happened, and he’ll always be thought of with very fond memories,” his friend Christie Houston told 9News.
“He loved racing cars and flying.
“He had a very altruistic company, where he was trying to help the environment.”
The tight-knit Ocean Grove community is now in mourning.
The well-respected father-of-two died after becoming trapped. (9News)
The family believes the fire may have started due to an electrical fault. (9News)
Neighbours said Crampton and his partner would often organise Christmas drinks.
Investigators and arson chemists have spent hours sifting through the home today to establish the source of the blaze.
The family believes the fire, which began in an office at the back of the home, may have been sparked by an electrical fault.