Flood watch NSW: Stout family near Grafton lost home to fire in February flood

A family who lost their home in a fire after flooding in February are now sheltering in a van ahead of more rain which is expected to hit northern New South Wales hard.

A well-known family, the Stouts, are doing it tough as they face the latest deluge of rain from a van.

The family lost their home three weeks ago during the floods, not because of water but due to fire.

Daughter and business owner Tara Spies said her own family were due to move in with her parents while they renovate when the tragedy occurred.

Her parents, owners of Stouts Floor Sanding, spent the week of the flood on their cattle farm at Jackadgery, west of Grafton, preparing the house for floodwaters.

Their power had been cut off on the Monday and they were told to expect it to be restored by Friday, March 4, at 11am.

When the power didn’t come back on they decided to leave for some supplies.

Ms Spies reported the power was restored at 2pm and at 2.09pm the neighbours called her parents saying the house was on fire.

Ms Spies thinks a laptop that was plugged in at the time could have started the fire.

The family continues to care for their cattle as they face another deluge of rain.

While the family are insured Ms Spies said there is a concern that insurance delays and immediate ongoing costs are becoming increasingly difficult.

A Go Fund me page ‘Help the Stouts rebuild their family home’ has been set up to help the family.