The fire in Wendy Radford and Amanda Rumbel's Pioneer Parade rental home was caused by children playing with a lighter in the rear bedroom and setting bedding alight.
The two Ravenswood housemates were cooking tea about 6.30pm when the fire started but were able to get themselves and children Beau, 6, and Linda, 3, safely out of the house.
"We were in the kitchen talking but my son must have taken a lighter into his bedroom to play with and set the bedding on fire," Mrs Radford said.
"Beau came running out saying, `Fire, Amanda, fire!' and as soon as I saw the flames I got Wendy and the kids out of the house," Miss Rumbel said.
Miss Rumbel said that she and a neighbour went back into the home with a fire extinguisher and garden hose to try to save it but were forced out by the heat and flames.
Tasmanian Fire Service regional chief Michael Brown issued a plea for parents to keep cigarette lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
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