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Brian and Molly Clifford lost their Bergalia Street home and most of their possessions but made it out of the blaze unscathed.

Emergency services were called to the fire shortly after midnight. Moruya Fire Brigade captain Mark Gould believes a smoke detector averted certain tragedy.

Mr Clifford spent yesterday morning at the scene trying to piece together the events that almost cost him his life.

“I heard something break, so at first I thought someone was trying to break in,” he said. “But then when I walked out the back I realised the house was on fire.”

Mr Clifford said he had just enough time to wake his wife, pull on a pair of trousers, and escape the flames.

“All I’ve got are the clothes I’m dressed in and a pair of pyjamas,” he said.

“This is something we just didn’t need at this time in our lives.”

The couple’s daughter wished to remain anonymous, who was clearly devastated by the damage. She said family and friends had been quick to offer their support.

“They are safe, that’s the main thing,” she said. “The house can be replaced.”

The couple’s son also declined to be named but arrived at the scene shortly before 11am yesterday. He had driven straight from Bega and was yet to see his parents.

“I think they would be pretty devastated at the moment,” he said. “I’m just happy they’re okay.”

Neighbour Susan Davis has lived across the road from the couple for 18 years and said she had faith in their ability to move forward.

“They will be fine,” she said. “They are stayers.”

Ms Davis said she woke to Mrs Clifford’s knocks at the door.

“Molly was a bit shaken, but relieved to be out,” she said. “There were no flames at that stage but I could see the smoke.”

Mr Gould said the couple’s home was unliveable and had damage to around 60 per cent of its structure and 80 per cent of content.