Family loses everything in house fire

A family in rural North Canterbury has lost everything in a fire.

The Oxford community is rallying around Mel Brooker and her three teenage children, however. Trevor Ealam, of the Oxford Fire Brigade, said two fire engines were called to the house on Rimu Place in Oxford at 4.30pm on Wednesday and were able to get the blaze under control quickly. The house was engulfed by the time the brigade arrived and the damage was extensive.

‘‘The lounge, kitchen and conservatory areas of the house were destroyed and the rest of the house had significant smoke damage.’’

The fire was caused by an electrical fault, Ealam said.

Brooker’s son’s girlfriend and her child were the only people in the house at the time of the fire and were able to get out safely. Ealam said it was lucky the occupants were both in the same room at the time of the fire.

‘‘It was very lucky for them they were together and that the fire happened during the day. If it had been at night while people were sleeping it could have had disastrous consequences.’’

Brooker’s sister-in-law, Lesley Inch, said the family was traumatised by the fire but holding together well.

Brooker, who has lived in Oxford her whole life and is a St John volunteer, had been ‘‘overwhelmed’’ by the support and kindness of the whole community, Inch said.

Inch said a Give-A-Little page had been set up to support the family.

‘‘Mel is the first person to offer help to others when they need it. She is a huge part of the Oxford Community and so are her family so it’s fantastic people have been so supportive,’’ she said.