FIREFIGHTERS are working to extinguish a house fire on Benalla Street, in Crace. 

The ACT Ambulance Service and ACT police are also on the scene, and the community is currently advised to avoid the area if possible.

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Update: 3.45pm, August 21

A WOMAN and a child has been taken to hospital following the house fire on Benalla Street, in Crace. 

Paramedics assessed and treated the woman and child on scene before being transferred to hospital in a stable condition.

The single-storey home has suffered considerable damage and partial collapse, but has now been extinguished. 

Firefighters will remain on scene while they conduct atmospheric monitoring and air ventilation operations to ensure the area is safe.

The initial investigations suggest that the cause of the fire was clothing left near a heater.

Further investigation will be undertaken.

ACT Fire & Rescue urge the community to keep heaters well clear of items that might burn. A minimum of one metre clearance from clothes, bedding furniture, curtains and other combustibles is required to make the home safe.