Fire at Murphy’s Creek Escape caravan park leaves Lockyer Valley families with nothing
Beloved residents of a popular Lockyer Valley campsite have been left devastated after a fire ‘ripped through’ everything they owned. Here’s how you can help.
Gatton
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A pile of ashes and the clothes on their backs is all that two Lockyer Valley families have left after a freak fire tore through their caravan and tents at Murphy’s Creek Escape.
An elderly couple and a woman and her children lost their home after a gas bottle malfunctioned and exploded on Tuesday afternoon, allegedly causing the fire which ran through a large tented area and caravan.
The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was concerned about her elderly neighbours, as one of them was in palliative care.
“She is our most pressing concern because the hospital won’t release her unless we can get a caravan with a toilet,” she said.
“They are such amazing people – the most important thing for me is for her to be able to live out her remaining days with her husband, not in a hospital bed.”
The woman said it was painful losing the things that could never be replaced, like family photographs and her children's awards.
“But that’s just life, and teaches you to live in the moment and appreciate what you do have,” she said.
While the scorched 15sq m area was still smouldering the following morning, the devastated Upper Lockyer community began donating money and delivering essential items to help the families rebuild.
Owner of Murphy’s Creek Escape Alberta Western said it was heartbreaking to see the long-term residents lose everything, but she was determined to help them rebuild.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency spokesman said six crews were called to the blaze about 3.30pm on September 26, and found the caravan engulfed in flames.
Ms Western said a 70-year-old woman who requires oxygen 24/7, was stuck in her caravan when the fire began.
“She has no mobility so it was very stressful,” she said.
“When people ran into the van to get her out the flames where already on the annex.
“They had to rip her oxygen mask off to get her out because the tube was caught on something behind the bed.”
When Queensland Ambulance paramedics arrived the woman was given an oxygen mask and transported to the Toowoomba Hospital for smoke inhalation, alongside her 80-year-old husband.
A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said another man in his 70s was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons, following smoke inhalation.
Ms Western said she was extremely grateful for the community’s support, however more donations and essential items were needed, as well as horse, chicken, dog, cat, and bird food.
She said most of the animals survived, but sadly the elderly couple lost two of their birds.
“We love them and will do everything we can to get them back on their feet,” she said.
“This unfolded in a moment and the outcome could have been so, so much worse.
“Hug your loved ones tight tonight.
“It has been a devastating afternoon that has unfortunately impacted on our small internal community, as well as guests in the park.”
Ms Western said if anyone would like to donate money, no matter how small, they could send it through to the following bank account - ACC: 643120436, BSB: 014312.
The park as a whole was not affected by the fire and continues to operate.
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