Dramatic moment couple realised house was burning

A Brisbane couple who lost everything in a blaze in a trendy inner-city suburb on Monday have revealed they were watching bushfire coverage on TV when they realised their own house was burning down.

A YOUNG man whose inner Brisbane home was engulfed by flames has revealed he began smelling smoke as he was watching the Queensland bushfires on TV in the moments before he fled.

Matt Duck, 24, was in his unit in an old high set Paddington Queenslander when he heard “weird popping sounds” coming from underneath their home about 10.30pm Monday.

Mr Duck said he didn’t think much of it at the time and assumed it was a neighbour doing the washing or moving furniture in the lockup storage area.

He and his partner Krystal Bromhead, 24, were watching the bushfires on television when they started smelling smoke.

The fire started while the couple were watching bushfire coverage on television.

“We started smelling smoke then I stood up and started trying to look around then our neighbour pounded on our side door and called out ‘fire’,” Mr Duck told The Courier-Mail.

“I ran over to the door threw it open and saw a massive orange glow under the house.

“The entire underneath of the house was ablaze.

“I heard the others screaming ‘get everyone out’,” he said.

Matthew's partner Krystal Bromberg and the couple's cat evacuated their Paddington home which was engulfed by flames on Monday night. Picture: supplied

Matthew Duck, 24, said it all started when he heard a crackling noise and smoke coming from below his unit. Picture: Supplied

In a state of panic, he ran back inside to get the pet ca­t, phones and medication before running down the road to join Krystal as they watched the firefighters battle the blaze.

Five fire crews were called to the blaze on Fernberg Rd at 10.40pm, where they found a four-unit timber home well alight.

“Things began exploding and we were (sic) asked to move again when the gas line caught fire soon after the house. Then it just started collapsing … the house was completely burnt down,” he said.

While Mr Duck said he’s not yet returned to the aftermath he said he’s seen pictures of the damage.

“It’s beyond words. I doubt anything will be salvageable at all. The structure was barely standing.

The house was completely gutted in the blaze. Picture: AAP/Richard Gosling

“And to be honest I feel numb yet angry and sad. I’m just all over the place at the moment,” he said.

Mr Duck and his partner are now staying at a friend’s place.

There were a total of five tenants. No one was injured.

Flames engulf Matthew and Krystal's Paddington home. Picture: supplied

Mr David hasn’t returned to the scene of the fire. Picture: AAP/Richard Gosling

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokeswoman said the fire was brought under control at 11.40pm.

The fire investigation unit are investigating.