Brave neighbours rescue nine children as Melton home bursts into flames

Nine children have fled a house fire near Melton.

The blaze started in the Aruma Avenue home in the suburb of Harkness about 7.30pm.

Neighbours saw flames rise about three metres from the roof.

Knowing there was a family inside, the neighbours sprung into action.

One grabbed a garden hose while another jumped the back fence to check there weren’t any kids in the backyard.

Another neighbour ran into the burning home.

All up, all nine children aged as young as one managed to escape safely.

CFA crews managed to contain the damage to the garage and the front of the home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.