Firefighters rushed to the scene of a serious house fire in Perth’s south-east on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to the property on Reen Street, St James just before 10am.

Emergency services arrived to find the house fully engulfed, with neighbours describing hearing a loud bang before seeing thick black smoke envelop the house.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Don Fazio said it took four crews about 45 minutes to get the blaze under control.

“The entire house is pretty much destroyed,” he said.

Destroyed house.Camera IconDestroyed house. Credit: Ian Munro/The West AustralianFire investigators combed through the wreckage into Tuesday afternoon.Camera IconFire investigators combed through the wreckage into Tuesday afternoon. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian

He confirmed no one was home at the time, despite initial thoughts a person may have been missing. Three people live at the house.

Fire investigators combed through the wreckage into Tuesday afternoon to try and ascertain the cause of the inferno.

St John WA attended the scene but did not treat anyone.

St John WA attended the scene but did not treat anyone.Camera IconSt John WA attended the scene but did not treat anyone. Credit: Ian Munro/The West AustralianLocals at the scene.Camera IconLocals at the scene. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian