Sydney father dies trying to save family dogs from fire

A father-of-two Wayne Rare has died in hospital after a failed attempt to save his family’s dogs from a house fire in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. His partner remains in critical condition, while his beloved pet Ilo perished in the blaze.

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A father-of-two who ran into his burning south Sydney home in a bid to save the family dogs has died.

Wayne Rare suffered serious burns when his Kirrawee house erupted in flames in the early hours of Saturday morning.

His partner Toni Chapman, 51, is heavily sedated in a critical but stable condition at St George Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation at their Moona Road home.

A fire ripped through the house on Moona Rd in Kirrawee. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

The family dogs Blaze, who survived, and Ilo, who died in the blaze. Picture: Supplied

Their two children, car dealer Jacinta Chapman-Rare, 23, and stonemason Ziggy Chapman-Rare, 25, were also able to escape the blaze.

They also suffered smoke inhalation but have since been discharged from the same hospital.

Mr Rare tried to free the family’s Husky named Blaze and Staffy named Ilo, and after fighting for his life at Royal North Shore Hospital, the 54-year-old man later died.

Ilo perished in the inferno, but Blaze survived.

The family of four managed to get out but Wayne Rare was critically injured after going in to try and save their dogs. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

The house was severely damaged in the blaze. Picture: Tim Hunter

Family friend and former neighbour Diaz Nailer, 20, who grew up with Jacinta and Ziggy, said the dogs were treated as family.

“Wayne tried to go and save the dogs in the house but he couldn’t get to them,” Ms Nailer said. “It all happened so fast.”

The Chapman-Rares have been described as selfless and giving, whose lives have been torn apart by the tragedy.

“They are the most beautiful family, who welcome people into their lives with open arms,” Ms Nailer said.

“The family is just distraught and they have lost everything – they literally have nothing left.”

Family friends have launched an online fundraiser, which can be found at gofundme.com/f/the-chapman-rare-family.

Firefighters at the scene of a fatal house fire in Biara Ave in Clemton Park. Picture: Julian Andrews

A crime scene was set up and investigations ongoing at the Clemton Park unit. Picture: Julian Andrews

In an unrelated incident, a man died in a unit fire at Clemton Park early on Saturday.

The man was pulled unconscious by firefighters from his home at Biara Ave about 5am but despite efforts to revive him, he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The unit sustained significant damage and police set up a crime scene.

The cause of both fires is under investigation.