Mr Fowler saw flames coming from Alex’s bedroom, where he was resting after a night out at the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

“At this stage I thought he was in there. I’ve opened the door to just a big fireball and all of the smoke has just come straight up,” Mr Fowler said.

“I’m screaming out to him. I’m just about to run in there looking for him and he’s come out of the toilet.

“We were just so close to losing him.”

The fire has left Mr Fowler and his family badly shaken and without the home they have spent the last 16 years in, their two cats and no possessions except for the clothes on their backs.

“We’ve lost everything. Whatever didn’t burn has been damaged by smoke and water,” he said.

At the time of the incident, some neighbours called emergency services while others rescued the family’s two dogs from their backyard, switched off the power and attempted to extinguish the fire.

Community members have continued to get behind the family with immediate support such as the use of a house, furniture, clothing and money.

This included an offer of $40,000 from a neighbour.

Mr Fowler said the family was overwhelmed by the generous offers.

“It’s just amazing the amount of people that have come within hours or phone calls just offering support,” he said.

“Our neighbour came over after it all and brought us a beer and stayed with us for a while.”

Mr Fowler’s wife Veronica said the outpouring of support spoke volumes about the Orange community.

“It’s unbelievably good. We live in a good community,” Mrs Fowler said.

Canobolas Local Area Command Inspector Linda Bradbury said while the cause of the fire was undetermined, it was not considered suspicious.

“The premises has been destroyed due to extensive smoke damage from a fire that started in an outdoor lounge area at the rear,” Inspector Bradbury said.

The family is currently waiting to hear back from their insurance company.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up by a friend of the Fowler family to raise $10,000 for immediate assistance such as food, clothing and rental assistance. Details: www.gofundme.com/ut-help-the-fowler-family