Police are searching for a quick-thinking tradie who attempted to assist at a fatal house fire in Melbourne's southeast on Saturday.
The man turned off the main gas supply to the property before ripping off the front security door in an attempt to enter the burning home on North Road at Hughesdale, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
"Unfortunately he was overcome by smoke and could not enter the residence," the spokeswoman said.
A 69-year-old woman died in the fire.
Police believe the tradie was driving a white single-cab utility, possibly a Ford or Mazda, with an aluminium tray.
Investigators have called for him to come forward to assist with inquiries.
More than 25 firefighters attended the blaze, which destroyed a single-storey brick house about 4pm.
There had been numerous calls to triple zero from the public, including reports that an alarm was going off inside the house.
Commander Brett Cowcher said the house was totally engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived.
"The fire was through the roof, with the flames leaping out of the holes in the roof," he said.
"We'd been given some information that there was possibly up to three people inside the house. One person was found deceased and the other two were confirmed by relatives later on that they were accounted for."
Commander Cowcher said the MFB fire investigation unit and Victoria Police arson squad were investigating.
"We couldn't tell whether they had smoke detectors or anything there, but it was unusual for it to be so well alight this early in the day," he said.
It is understood the three people who lived in the house were related.
Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
With Goya Dmtryshchak