Mr Darby, 88, was an RAAF pilot who flew an extraordinary 50 missions when pilots were considered lucky to survive 25. After the war, he flew with WA-based MacRobertson Miller Airlines and then TAA.

Tributes for the man described as a "family hero" continue to arrive including from the Australian Federation of Air Pilots, Rosebud RSL and Rosebud Country Club as well as family and friends.

More than 20 firemen from Rosebud, Rye, Dromana and Boneo brigades took more than an hour to extinguish the blaze in Goolgowie Street, which is believed to have started in the kitchen about 2am.

Mornington-based CFA operations manager Arthur Haynes said the cause of the fire had not been determined.

"The blaze was so intense due to the cathedral ceiling and cedar lining that we were unable to enter the house and look for Mr Darby until we put out the fire, which took almost an hour," he said.

"We had spot fires down the road due to the windy conditions and flying embers."

The blaze destroyed much of the two-storey bluestone and wood home and damaged shutters and windows on the house next door.

Mr Darby's wife Pat had tried to rescue him when she was woken by the fire but was forced back by smoke and flame and had to run out of the burning building.

Paramedics arrived soon after and treated a distraught Mrs Darby, 86, for breathing difficulties before taking her to Rosebud Hospital in a stable condition.

Police said the fire was not considered suspicious and are preparing a report for the coroner.