By Paul Dunlop
A FAMILY lost their home and most of their possessions in a fire at Bunyip on Saturday.
An electrical fault is believed to have ignited the blaze which authorities said began in a bedroom and completely destroyed a house in Nylander Street.
Fire crews were called out about 8am and found the timber house burning fiercely when they arrived.
Firefighters were unable to save the house but did protect sheds, cars and other outbuildings from the flames.
A fire truck was partially scorched by radiant heat.
Firefighters praised the family’s actions, saying the mother had bravely ensured everybody was safely outside before the fire razed their home.
The family was still recovering from the incident on Monday and did not wish to be interviewed by the Gazette.
Bunyip CFA captain Glenn Coster said the ferocity of the fire meant saving the house was almost impossible.
“We did the best we could but it burnt very rapidly,” he said.
“It was lucky the house was on a large block at the end of the street.
“The fire could have caused significant problems if other houses had been any closer.”
Mr Coster said about 40 firefighters battled the blaze with two Bunyip units joined by CFA volunteers from Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Kooweerup and Longwarry.
Firefighters remained at the scene for almost five hours, blacking out hotspots.
The cause of the fire was still being investigated, Mr Coster said.
“The family lost pretty much everything but fortunately they were all okay,” he said.
“The mum apparently smelt the smoke and found the fire first. She straight away got the rest of the family out.
“Her actions were very good.
“The situation could have been much worse,” Mr Coster said.
The fire was Bunyip’s biggest for several years, Mr Coster said.
Another family lost their home in a fire at Tynong earlier this year.
Mr Coster said the community was already banding together to help the family.
Pakenham Police Senior Sergeant Russell Patten said the fire highlighted the importance of smoke alarms.
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