Wantley St Fire: Family lose everything as investigations continue

The Rose City community has rallied around a family that has ‘lost everything’ in a devastating fire earlier this month, as investigations continue into the source of the fire. Here’s how you can help.

Police and fire investigators will again attend a home in Wantley St, Warwick to determine the cause of a blaze which began inside the property on Monday night. Photo: File

The Warwick community has rallied behind a family who lost it all in a devastating house fire earlier this month and now you can get involved.

The Beatty family with three children all under the age of 14 luckily weren’t home when a blaze ripped through their address, but the scars of losing everything remain.

The residence at Wantley St in central Warwick caught fire which spread throughout the structure on the evening of July 1. By 10pm the fire was under control, but the damage was far spread.

Local business AJ’s Tobacconist has stirred the community with a mammoth fundraiser to help get the family back on their feet.

AJ’s staff member Kerry Francis didn’t really know the family, but said she was proud of the community for stepping up for the family.

“We just decided to speak to the owner and said we wanted to do a fundraiser because she’s got three kids and lost everything,” Ms Francis said.

It is understood the business has raised thousands, with the owners putting in $2000 personally. The business has also received gift cards and essentials including clothing and blankets.

“We’re just a small tobacconist shop but our regulars have really come through and given big,” she said.

“It can happen to anyone, especially in wintertime.”

It is understood fire investigators have so far determined the blaze ignited from within the kitchen, with the exact source still under further investigation.

You can donate directly by visiting AJ’s Tobacconist at their Palmerin St store and drop off money, gift cards or essentials to help the family get back on their feet.