At around 2.00am NSW Fire & Rescue responded to calls that a house was on fire in Greycliffe Ave in Vaucluse.

Neighbours heard screams from the front garden of the property as a male tried to save his home using a garden hose.

The first arriving appliance was from Bondi fire station. Upon seeing the size of the fire, they called for immediate assistance.

Other appliances were just finishing up at another fire scene in Paddington whilst the urgent call for assistance was made.

The male resident was treated by Paramedics for smoke inhalation but did not suffer any serious affects. He remained on scene and was comforted by neighbours and emergency personnel.

During the dangerous operation a fire-fighter fell through a floor that was weakened by the blaze. He managed to make it out of the building and to the nearby ambulance; however, he collapsed upon reaching the area of safety in severe pain.

Paramedics were notified of fire fighters need for medical attention and he was immediately treated on scene and later transported to hospital. His injuries are not life threatening, however a number of ribs are believed to have been broken during the fall.