By Olivia Condous
A young Melton family are rebuilding their lives after they lost their home in an accidental house fire last month.
Zachary Ross said he was enjoying a normal day at home with his two young sons when he suddenly heard a smoke alarm ringing.
“When the CFA says it’s very unsuspecting, that is 100 per cent true…it felt like a very, completely normal day,” he said.
For Mr Ross’ family, that day quickly became abnormal, as a small electrical fire started by a charging device quickly saw their home ruined by fire.
Mr Ross attempted to douse the fire with a blanket and buckets of water, but soon realised it wasn’t going to be controlled.
“You try to use whatever knowledge you have in regards to putting out fires,” he said.
“The next thing you know, with only about 20 to 30 seconds of time, you suddenly come to the realization that these fires aren’t going out and you need to get out of the house straightaway.”
Mr Ross quickly evacuated his sons and family pets from the home and called emergency services.
“The CFA rocked up really quick, I really thank them for how fast they acted… it took them about 25 to 30 minutes to properly get [the fire] out.”
The family were able to stay with Mr Ross’ mother while they searched for a new place to live and recently secured a rental property to call home.
Mr Ross said the tragic experience had forced his family to reconsider how they were using electronic devices and power sources, being extremely careful to turn off powerpoints when they were not in use.
“You read the stories all the time, you see it, people who lost their lives in fires or lost so much more… you don’t understand how it could happen until you experience it,” he said.
Mr Ross’ mother has set up a Go Fund Me page to help the family repurchase all of their belongings.
Details: www.gofundme.com/f/tsw7pa-family?
