People passing by a Giffen Street house about 11am alerted two residents who were unaware that a bedroom was on fire.

Warrnambool fire station officer Dave Mounier said firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the bedroom.

"Neither of the two smoke detectors in the house were working," Mr Mounier said.

"Everyone is pretty much aware we change the batteries in smoke alarms every year, but smoke alarms themselves have a service life of 10 years and also need to be replaced."

Mr Mounier said the fire was sparked by overloaded electrical equipment.

He said a double power point carried two double adaptors. One of the adaptors was supporting a power board which also had piggy-backed adaptors on outlets.

"It really was the perfect photo of what not to do," he said.

"There was a fan heater connected which also draws a lot of current and a bed was pushed against a wall. People need to make sure equipment is operated the way it is supposed to be. Don't overload and keep wiring clear of combustibles."

Mr Mounier said the meat workers who occupied the house were not injured, but the bedroom was significantly damaged and the house would need to be repainted due to smoke damage.

Warrnambool fire brigade officers were also called to a gas leak at a McKiernan Road address on Sunday morning.

Mr Mounier said men were working on a fence in the front yard of a house about 8am when a gas line was disturbed.

"They got a bit excited digging a hole. We isolated the gas flow and then handed over to the gas company when they attended," he said.

"The message is dial before you dig. The road was closed for some time and residents were asked to stay inside," he said.