The devastating fire started in a residence off Gravelly Beach Road and was reported shortly after 11am.

The house was fully alight when Tasmania Fire Service crews arrived and the remains will be bulldozed.

The resident, a man, had left home for an appointment just before the fire started.

Gravelly Beach Fire Brigade fourth officer Richard Goss said big plumes of smoke greeted firefighters.

"The resident is a bit distressed at the moment," Mr Goss said.

"But he can't recall leaving anything on.

"There was no threat to nearby properties."

Mr Goss estimated the fire had been burning for at least 15 to 20 minutes before firefighters arrived.

Fire investigator Jaron Oosterloo estimated the damage at $130,000 to $150,000.