According to police, neighbours noticed a light which had been left on underneath the weatherboard home, which was being re-stumped, about 7pm on Saturday.
They went to turn it off and found some smouldering debris which they extinguished with water.
The owner was called to the home and was satisfied the fire was out, and left again.
However, about 12.10am another neighbour heard smoke alarms and discovered the same house was on fire.
By the time Jerilderie Fire + Rescue NSW firefighters arrived, Captain John Crittenden said the house was fully engulfed in flames.
Efforts were therefore concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading.
‘‘With help from firefighters from the Rural Fire Service as well as Berrigan and Deniliquin FRNSW, we were able to save the neighbouring homes, containing the fire to just the burning home,’’ he said.
Firefighters had the blaze under control before 6am.
Police confirmed the owner of the home had relocated in December.
The vacant home was being renovated as an investment property.
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