Pensioners lose everything in blaze
Yarrawonga pensioners Lindsay and June Grinter have tragically lost their home and livelihood to a house fire but are wanting to thank the community for their support.
Mr and Mrs Grinter's Catrina Street home suffered severe fire and water damage on the hottest day of the year so far last Friday due to a fire which is still under investigation but has been deemed nonsuspicious.
“We would like to thank all fire crews who responded, particularly Simon Crawford and the young man who assisted us to recover some personal items of sentimental value,” Mr Grinter said.
“The crews that responded to the call were professional and thorough on what was a very hot day.
“We would also like to thank all of our neighbours and passer-by's who tried to save our home, looked after our dog and did everything they could to support us.
“A massive thank you to Elders Insurance who have been fantastic and have assisted us as much and as fast as they can.
“Finally, we'd like to thank all of our friends. They have all provided us so much support over the last few days.
“Whilst we are devastated to lose our home we have worked our whole life to build, the
care and support shown by the community has been so valued.”
Yarrawonga CFA Co-Ordinator Simon Crawford said the blaze took six crews and an hour and a half to extinguish, but luckily the occupants and pets were safe.
“We had the Yarrawonga and Mulwala Fire and Rescue crews, Cobram, Tungamah, a Shepparton aerial and BA vehicle from Wangaratta on the scene,” Mr Crawford said.
“Two thirds of the house has been destroyed by fire but it has been treated as non-suspicious and is currently under investigation.
“While we are not entirely sure what caused
this particular blaze at the moment, being the hottest day of the year this serves as a timely reminder for people to get air conditioners checked and serviced as generally it is too late once you notice an issue.”
Another fire also broke out on Friday at the Loop Track off Cullens Road with a caravan on fire which began to spread to the nearby area of grass.
Three CFA units from Yarrawonga, Burramine and Cobram East attended the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control in half an hour although little remained of the caravan.