By Esther Lauaki
The Melton community is rallying around a family of 10 who lost all their belongings in a devastating house fire.
A mother and her nine children, including a baby, escaped the blaze at the Aruma Avenue house last Thursday.
Neighbours rushed to the family’s aid and helped to evacuate the children who range between one and 20 years old.
County Fire Authority crews managed to contain the damage to the garage and the front of the home.
Residents from community Facebook group, Melton Residents and Surrounds, started a collection of money, clothes, food and essentials.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Meanwhile, fire restrictions are already in place for the north west region.
CFA District 14 operations manager David Harris said parts of Victoria have already had grass and bushfires.
“Residents need to be prepared for the imminent fire season, in spite of recent rainfall,” Mr Harris said.
“Reducing fuel loads will ensure that if a fire does occur, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading.”
Mr Harris said there was still a small window of opportunity to clean up.
To donate to the Melton family: bit.ly/2QLUmRh
