Elderly couple flee home after house goes up in flames in Helensvale

An elderly couple have been forced to flee from their home as it was engulfed by a large fire. WATCH THE VIDEO

An elderly couple have been forced to flee from their home as it was engulfed by a large fire.

Flames more than a metre high were seen coming from the roof at the property on Leawood Place, Helensvale around 6.30am on Tuesday.

The roof of the Helensvale home collapsed under the intense heat. Picture: Charlton Hart

At least three firefighting crews remained on scene continuing to douse the hot spots, more than three hours after the blaze broke out.

Neighbour Anne-Marie Watson said she was woken by what sounded like a large explosion.

“I was thinking it might have been a car crash so walked out of my room and could see the flames from inside my loungeroom” she said.

“It’s a husband and wife that live there. I saw them standing on the street and they looked OK which was a relief.

Firefighter were on scene for several hours cooling the hotspots. Picture: Charlton Hart

“I can’t believe how quick it was. One bit of it (the home) was covered in flames and then all of sudden it was spreading”.

The two occupents were assessed by paramedics, they didn’t suffer any injuries. They have lived at the address for more than 30 years according to long-term resident David Eyers.

“We’re a quiet neighbourhood, everyone sort of just keeps to themselves. They’re always nice people and will give you a wave. Its got to be devastating for them” he said.

“Half the street was out here this morning just wanting to help. I can’t imagine what they must be thinking or what’s going through their head”.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation but not being treated as suspicious. Picture: Charlton Hart

The thick black smoke from the blaze was seen from several kilometres away in Biggera Waters, neighbouring suburbs were also blanketed.

The roof at the rear of the home collapsed under the intense heat. Conditions were too dangerous for firefighters to enter the property.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said the fire started at the rear of the home before spreading. The cause is still being investigated but it’s believed to have been accidental.

Originally published as Elderly couple flee home after house goes up in flames in Helensvale