Tamworth woman Sarah Brown shattered after horror house fire

A young woman and the sole provider for her epileptic brother has been left shattered after her unit burst into flames on Easter Sunday, in what police have confirmed is a suspicious blaze.

A young woman and the sole provider for her epileptic brother has been left shattered after her Tamworth unit burst into flames on Easter Sunday, in what police have confirmed is a suspicious blaze.

Sarah Brown, 26, received a “shocking” phone call on Sunday afternoon that the unit she lived in – a block of three on Goonoo Goonoo Rd in South Tamworth – had gone up in flames.

“I was away for Easter and rushed there to find the fire had been extinguished. I was told I couldn’t go inside as the damage was extreme,” she told this publication.

“I just stood there at the kerb – bawling my eyes out.”

The fire, which completely destroyed one unit and extensively damaged the others, caused the roof of Ms Brown’s unit to cave in, leaving a trail of burned asbestos sheeting throughout the dwelling.

NSW Police have confirmed the blaze is suspicious, and an investigation is underway.

Max Brown, 21, and his older sister and carer Sarah Brown, 26, lost everything in a horror unit fire in Tamworth on Easter Sunday. Picture: Supplied.

“The smoke and fire damage was severe – along with the asbestos risk,” Ms Brown said.

“Nothing was really salvageable and I haven’t been able to go inside. A firefighter managed to save a passport and a very limited amount of clothing but that is it.”

Ms Brown's Tamworth unit was gutted by the fire. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Brown's Tamworth unit was gutted by the fire. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Brown, who works as a manager at a Dusk candle store in Tamworth, said she was rejected by several outreach services for “earning too much money”.

“I find it really upsetting given all my earnings goes towards rent and groceries. Now what do I have to show for it?”, she said.

She is now homeless and “couch surfing”, while her little brother, Max, 21, remains in a hotel room “until we can sort this out,” she added.

“I’m just hoping and praying we can find somewhere to live.”

A fundraiser has been launched for Ms Brown and her brother.

Friend Demii-Parry Jones said the fire had “tore through their unit” and “destroyed their lives”.

“This devastation has obviously come as a shock and has left them both homeless.

“Sarah is a young 26 year old who cares for her younger epileptic brother. You might have met her as she manages the Dusk store in Tamworth and her contagious and bright energy is hard to miss.

“They are both some of the most beautiful, generous and hard working people you’ll meet and are always the first to give the clothes off their backs for others in need. They are now left with nothing.

“If anyone has the funds to assist them in building a new life and home, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if it’s only a few cents, a little will go a long way. They are without clothing, beds, furniture, pretty much everything that is needed to survive.”

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Originally published as Tamworth woman Sarah Brown shattered after horror house fire