Inferno claims homes
TWO East Toowoomba families have lost everything in a fierce fire fuelled by intense winds yesterday.
The properties on Victor St were destroyed despite best efforts of up to 11 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews who battled to contain the inferno that broke out about 3.20pm.
Resident Kheri Hassan could do nothing but watch as the fire engulfed his home.
He had been at work when his wife called him, alerting him to the dramatically escalating situation, and arrived at his property, helpless and concerned.
“I just want my family, that’s it,” Mr Hassan said at the scene.
“All my stuff was in there; I just want my family.”
Witnesses described several people were trying to get animals out of the houses as firefighters battled to protect other neighbouring structures.
One of the homes, believed to be where the fire began, collapsed.
QFES crews, battling strong winds and adverse conditions, protected other properties with the focus on the southern side.
Thick black smoke was visible across the city and witnesses at the scene reported hearing explosions from inside the fire zone.
Queensland Ambulance paramedics assessed a man in his 30s at the scene for smoke inhalation but he was not taken to hospital.
A QAS spokesman said paramedics treated a second person at the scene for minor burns to their hands.
Emergency services closed Herries St between Hume and Kitchener Sts for more than two hours, with police redirecting traffic.
Neighbour Amy Kirkwood described hearing a banging noise as she was watching TV.
“I got really concerned, walked outside and .... next thing I know, the whole house next door is gone,” a visibly shocked Ms Kirkwood said at the scene.
“The whole thing was just completely scorched in fire.
“I freaked out; my unit is right next to where the fire is.
“Within seconds, of hearing that ‘boom, boom, boom’, everything was gone.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined with investigations expected to be ongoing.
tara.miko@thechronicle.com.au