Girl, 12, saves brother from Vic blaze

Police have praised a young girl who rescued her brother from a burning Melbourne home.

The girl, 12, is believed to have woken just before 5:30am on Thursday to find the back of their Heidelberg Heights home on fire.

She tried to put the fire out, but when she was unable to, woke her seven-year-old brother and went outside, Sergeant Matt Bull told ABC TV.

"She's not only saved her brother's life but herself as well.

"She could have just left ... on her own but she's gone back into the house to get him out, so she's done a great job."

Police confirm the children were home alone at the time.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.