Man dies and dog missing after devastating house fire destroys Ocean Grove home
Beloved community member Les Crampton has died attempting to re-enter his blazing Ocean Grove home, leaving neighbours searching for the couple's missing pug Sadie.
Les Crampton has been remembered as a kind and well-respected member of the community after he died attempting to escape a midnight house fire that destroyed his Ocean Grove home.
The 68-year-old became trapped in the blaze at 144 The Avenue after going back into the burning property for unknown reasons, while his partner Wendy Young managed to escape.
Neighbour Christie Houston said Ms Young smelt smoke and heard the fire alarm go off just after midnight on Thursday.
“She told him to get out, but Les went back for whatever reason and he didn’t make it,” Ms Houston said.
Emergency services were called to the fire at about 12.30am.
Fire crews located and removed Mr Crampton from the property but he could not be revived.
Ms Houston described Mr Crampton as “a very interesting, kind, wonderful guy” who loved racing cars and flying.
“He had a very altruistic company where he was trying to help the environment,” she said.
“He was well-respected. It’s a terrible tragedy. He will always be thought of with fond memories.”
She said Ms Young, 63, was “absolutely beautiful” and both had “big, big hearts”.
Neighbours took in Ms Young overnight and she is now being cared for by family.
Ms Houston said Ms Young reported smelling burning electricity before the fire took hold.
“Forensics are in there at the moment. I suspect it must have been electrical. I spoke to Wendy and she could smell that burning electricity smell,” she said.
“We will find out what caused this tragedy.”
The community is now searching for the couple’s beloved pug, Sadie, who remains missing.
“The community of Ocean Grove is looking for Sadie,” Ms Houston said.
Another neighbour, Jude Lingard, said the couple were very community-minded and always organised Christmas drinks.
“I woke up at 1am and thought council was doing road works. I feel awful now,” she said.
“They were so lovely, it’s just devastating.”
An anonymous neighbour who saw Mr Crampton walking Sadie just a day before the fire said the pair were very well known and much-loved.
“It’s such a tragic start to the festive season,” she said. “I’m just in shock.”
Smoke-damaged windows, walls and roof could be seen in the early hours of Thursday morning, as nearby walkers were waved away by police.
More than a dozen rainbow lorikeets gathered on the lawn outside the blackened house, where a large circle of bird seed had been left out for them.
Residents reported a strong smoke smell more than two streets away.
Through the window, burnt curtains and pot plants were barely visible through blackened windows and doors.
A policeman at the house said it was a “very grim scene”.
Victoria Police said an investigation was underway into the circumstances of the fire.
“A female resident had managed to exit the property but a male resident was trapped inside,” police said.
“The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing.”
Mr Crampton is survived by two daughters from a previous marriage.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
Originally published as Man dies and dog missing after devastating house fire destroys Ocean Grove home
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