An 84-year-old man and his 81-year-old wife, both from Orange, were parked on the Mitchell Highway in Geurie at about 11pm on Thursday night.

The couple had stopped after having towed their van from Orange. They were in the van when a fire ignited from what police believe to be a leaking gas cylinder that was inside the van.

Passers-by helped the couple to safety shorty before the van burned down to the chassis. 

Unfortunately, the couple's dog, an 8-year-old Peckingese, could not be saved from the burning van.

Neither the man or woman suffered serious injury but was taken to Wellington Hospital for observation.

Quick action from the Rural Fire Service prevented significant damage occurring to the car towing the van.