Man taken to hospital after 'suspicious' Melbourne house fire

A fire that badly damaged a house in Melbourne's east has been deemed suspicious.

Eight fire trucks rushed to the blaze at a Ringwood home about 10pm on Christmas Eve.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home, including the partial collapse of the roof.

A man in his 70s was taken to hospital, but three other members of the household escaped the blaze safely.

Investigators say the source of the fire suspicious.