A family has been left devastated after a fire tore through their home of four generations.

The house on McArthurs Rd in Altona North, western Melbourne, was engulfed by flames about 1pm on Saturday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Family devastated by fire that destroys Altona North home.

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Footage from the scene shows thick black and grey smoke billowing into the sky as the blaze spread rapidly.

The fire was so intense the neighbouring house was also badly charred.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within about half an hour, but the damage was extensive, leaving a family of five homeless.

Thankfully, the parents and their three young children were not home at the time, but they have lost everything.

“I can’t explain what’s happening, but it’s so hard,” the mother told 7NEWS, struggling to hold back tears.

She also said their chickens in the backyard were killed in the fire.

The family’s grandmother said four generations had lived in the home, which was the first house built on the street.

Fire Rescue Victoria said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is ongoing.