After a fire ripped through a Mount Gambier house late yesterday a South Australian regional Metropolitan Fire Service chief has issued a reminder for people to ensure they have working smoke alarms.
Key points:
- A fire has destroyed a home causing about $200,000 worth of damage
- Neighbours described the chaotic scenes as the emergency unfolded, and how quickly the fire took hold
- Station officer Rob Baker is reminding people to ensure they have working smoke alarms
It is understood there were no working smoke alarms at the Nelson Street property, which was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
While the occupant escaped serious injury, a desperate search is underway in the neighbourhood to find their beloved missing cats.
It is understood firefighters carried at least one dog to safety.
Neighbour Ashlee Humphries said she witnessed flames billowing from the property.
“It gave me a bit of a fright, I heard banging and thought it might have been my daughter,” Ms Humphries said.
ABC South East SA: Todd Lewis
)The neighbour praised the quick response from firefighters.
“The firies did really well, they got here quickly and got it contained,” Ms Humphries said.
Ms Humphries says her heart goes out to her neighbours.
“I see them a little bit, but they are pretty quiet and keep to themselves,” she said.
“They do amazing Christmas lights during the festive season.”
Fears for pets’ safety
Another neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said there were chaotic scenes when the emergency unfolded.
“I saw someone jump the fence and then all the lights and sirens,” the resident said.
“Both dogs got out, I saw an ambulance officer come out carrying one of them.”
“I hope the cats come back; the paramedic did say the back door was open so they had a way to get out.”
ABC South East SA: Todd Lewis
)However, it is feared the cats may have perished in the blaze.
“As long as the occupants are safe, that’s the main thing,” the neighbour said.
Mount Gambier MFS Station Officer Rob Baker said the house was well alight when crews arrived.
“One occupant was home at the time the fire started and suffered some smoke inhalation as they were trying to get pets out of the property,” he said.
Mr Baker said firefighters battled the blaze for about 20 minutes before it was brought under control.
Firefighters remained on the scene for some time to mop up hot spots after the initial fire was extinguished.
Mr Baker said the estimated damage was about $200,000.
“We’ve got fire cause investigators attending this morning to undertake an investigation,” he said.
“But it’s probably just a timely reminder for people to ensure that they keep heating and stuff clear.”
Unfortunately, he said there were no working smoke alarms at the property.
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