Family left with nothing
neighbour’s house and are now staying at a motel until another Housing New Zealand home is found.
The neighbour, Trena, who would not give her last name, said the family, including a 3-month-old baby, were shaken but OK.
Trena only realised the house next door was ablaze when she heard sirens and glass shattering.
‘‘To look out of my window and see the flames billowing is crazy.’’
After years of waiting, the family from the ruined house finally had carpet laid and an extractor fan installed in the bathroom, Trena said.
‘‘They finally got it [fixed] and it all burns down. It’s a cruel turn of fate.
‘‘They lost everything special. They say lives can’t be replaced, but there’s memories that can’t be replaced either. It’s all gone.’’
Feilding Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Bradley Shanks said the family managed to escape unharmed after smoke alarms went off.
The fire was still under investigation, but early reports suggested it started near the bathroom and was possibly caused by an extractor system, Shanks said.
Leo Emery, who lives across the street, said once he realised his neighbour’s house was engulfed in flames, there were already three fire engines at the scene.
He did not know the family, but hoped they were doing OK, he said. ‘‘I was just so glad that no-one got injured.’’
The family received help from Manchester House Social Services Centre to get basics such as blankets, clothing and food.
Manchester House family support worker Robyn Duncan said the centre could provide the family with most of the essentials, but she asked anyone who could donate Feilding High School uniforms to drop them off at the Manchester House Op Shop.
The family had one girl and two boys attending the school, she said.