Peter Longobardi says his home is slowly killing him after neighbouring fire

An Edwardstown man says he might not be alive today if not for the brave actions of his assistance dog Calli, who rescued him from a looming disaster.

A Edwardstown man who is suffering from a chronic lung disease says his home is killing him after a neighbouring property went up in flames earlier this year.

Peter Longobardi, 49, says he has been left to deal with a burnt roof and soot from the fire, leaving him unable to breathe in his own home.

“Due to my illness, on the day the fire happened I was dead to the world asleep, if it wasn’t for my dog waking me I don’t know if I would be here,” Mr Longobardi said.

“I had no idea it was happening and the inside of my roof was smoke damaged.”

A Edwardstown house fire at the end of August that took the life of a dog, continues to be felt in the neighbourhood with the next door neighbour, Peter Longobardi, with breathing difficulties. He is pictured with his assistance dog Calli. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The Raglan Ave unit caught alight just before 7am on August 27 with a number of local residents grabbing hoses in a desperate attempt to control the blaze as firefighters arrived at the scene.

The blaze caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, with police believing it was deliberately lit.

However, Mr Longobardi believes he is paying the ultimate price because he is still living in the adjacent unit.

“I can’t be subjected to this type of environment, I need to keep my windows open for circulation but my place got smoked out and I’m now copping the constant ash and soot coming into my place through my windows,” he said.

After raising his concerns with Junction Australia, Mr Longobardi felt his concerns were not being taken seriously.

Peter Longobardi outside the Edwardstown unit. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“I feel like I have no options, I can’t afford a private rental and no one wants someone with a dog, I feel like I’m being discriminated against.

“Junction haven’t found me something suitable to move into since the fire happened, continuing to live here is going to kill me.”

When contacted by The Messenger, Junction Australia said they have been liaising with Mr Longobardi to help him out of his current property.

“Following assessment of the property Edwardstown, we offered Mr Longobardi another property on Friday but he has declined that offer,” a Junction spokeswoman said.

Mr Longobardi defended his decision saying the home was ‘unsuitable’ for his needs.

“During my time as tradie, I have suffered a number of injuries over the years in my trades, from disc and back injuries, fallen through a number of roofs, to a buggered right shoulder and knee injuries,” he said.

“Junction know all this and thought it was fine to shove me in a one bedroom home with no yard for my dog.

“What is it going to take for people like me to be listened too?”

Mr Longobardi said he had commenced legal action over the issue.