Brave tradie helped at Melb house fire

A brave tradesman turned off the gas to a house engulfed by flames but could not reach a woman who ultimately died, Victoria Police say.

A 69-year-old woman who was alone in a house on North Road, Hughesdale, died when an unsuspicious fire started in the kitchen on Saturday afternoon.

Detectives are searching for a man - driving a white, single-cab utility with an aluminium tray - who tried to help by turning off the gas and ripping off the front security door but was unable to enter.