‘SECONDS FROM DEATH’
TORQUAY arson victim Heath Tournier says his young family were just seconds from being killed after his home and car were set alight on Christmas Eve.
The builder, his partner and 18-month-old daughter were asleep when they woke to find fire engulfing their Gilbert St home in what police say was a deliberate act.
“I woke up and heard noises, so I jumped up and looked out to see six-foot flames. I’m still having nightmares,” he said.
“Thirty more seconds and we would have been dead.”
The Gilbert St home and the family’s Mercedes Benz were destroyed in the blaze, which caused about $250,000 damage.
Tournier, a former Big Brother intruder and charity builder, said he had no idea who would want to target him or his home and urged anyone with information to contact police.
“If you have a beef with me fine, but don’t blow up (my partner’s) car,” he said.
“We’ve been there for 16 months, but this is the worst time of year for this to happen. “Absolutely I’m worried.” In October, the Gilbert St property was approved for a five-storey development.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Investigations are continuing. YESTERDAY’S ADDY
“I woke up and heard noises, so I jumped up and looked out to see six-foot flames. I’m still having nightmares.” HEATH TOURNIER