Emergency services have helped two residents — who were trapped in their burning home in Adelaide's north-east overnight — to safely escape with only minor injuries.
The 66-year-old woman and 37-year-old man were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with smoke inhalation and minor burns.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) said crews were called to Princes Road at Greenacres just after 1am, finding two properties "engulfed in fire".
A police patrol was blocked from reaching the residents of one of the homes by bars on windows and locked doors.
"The two occupants of the house were trapped inside the premises," police said.
However, police were able to provide clear directions to help the occupants safely exit the house, which was eventually completely destroyed by the fire.
The blaze killed several pets and spread to the roof of a second house, causing "significant damage" to two cars.
Two residents of that home escaped safely, but officers "sustained some smoke exposure and minor grazes" at the scene, police said.
About 40 firefighters and several MFS vehicles — including a rescue vehicle — attended the scene, and the MFS issued a smoke advice message "due to the intensity of the fire".
Fire investigators will examine the scene today as the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
The MFS has estimated the combined damage bill to be $800,000.
Police have asked anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
