Heartbreaking images show the devastation caused by a house fire that killed one woman and left three people, including two children injured.
Emergency services found the Orange home well-alight when they arrived on Pimpala Place about 5.45am on Saturday.
A woman, man and two children were inside when the blaze broke out.
Photographs taken at the scene show the charred remains of the brick home.
Windows appeared to have been smashed due to the ferocity of the fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Superintendent Dane Philippe praised the “brave” efforts of firefighters who arrived on scene within six minutes of triple-0 call.
“Due to their brave and rapid actions they were able to rescue two children from the premises,” he said.
Incredibly, the man had managed to escape but suffered burns while trying to re-enter the home and save his family.
Firefighters ran inside and rescued the two children who had inhaled a lot of smoke while inside the house.
A short time later, a woman was located in the front room.
She was unable to revived and died at the scene.
Paramedics treated the three members of the family and rushed them to Orange Base Hospital.
Superintendent Philippe took the opportunity to remind households across the state to check their smoke alarms are in working order.
“The number one message for us is about making sure you have a working smoke alarm inside your property will save your life,” he said.
“Second point is about having a home escape plan so make sure yourself and your family know what to do if the worst of circumstances do occur.”
He added that the cooler months bring increased use of heaters and electric blankets and urged families to make sure they are being used safely.
A crime scene has been established and specialist fire investigators will enter the building once it is deemed safe.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and inquiries are now underway by detectives attached to Central West Police District.