The Gilmore St residents raised the alarm just after 11am, when they saw thick smoke billowing from a one-bedroom cottage.

Two fire engines and the hazardous materials unit, along with police and ambulance personnel, rushed to the property.

The house was unoccupied at the time, but it is believed a woman and her 13-year-old son live in the rented property.

Officers believe the fire may have started in the bedroom of the house.

But investigations are continuing.

Port Macquarie fire brigade station officer John Gardner said the cause of the fire had not been determined because of the level of devastation in the bedroom.

“Everything in the room was completely destroyed.”

Mr Gardner said the rest of the property was affected by smoke and heat damage.

Firefighters, using breathing apparatus, entered the building on hands and knees, because of the extreme heat and smoke.

The fire was quickly brought under control and a clean-up operation started.

Two dogs at the property escaped unharmed.

It is believed the building is insured, but not the tenants’ possessions.