Epping house fire: Family devastated after boy, 4, burns down home
AN Epping mother has hit back at online trolls who have slammed her parenting after her four-year-old son accidentally burnt down their home.
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AN Epping mother has slammed online trolls who have criticised her parenting skills after her home was gutted by a fire started by her four-year-old son.
Jean Villa fled her rental property with son Aceson and partner Esera Leafa after a fire, started by Aceson, tore through the home on August 19.
“I sometimes light paper on fire to light the stove and he copied me,” Ms Villa said.
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“I’m in shock. I’m upset, I’m devastated but I have to be strong and find us somewhere to live.”
A number of comments on social media criticising her parenting and questioning how Aceson had been able to start the blaze were “hurtful”, she said.
“It’s not about blaming anyone because it was an honest mistake, she said.
She was confident Aceson had now learnt not to play with fire.
“He’s been having nightmares about it and it all hit him when he saw the house after the fire,” Ms Villa said.
“He’s definitely learnt his lesson.”
Ms Villa says her devastation over the fire is slowly turning to relief as the community rallies to help.
The family, who did not have contents insurance, had been inundated by donations of clothing, furniture and toys.
Accepting the offers had been difficult because the family, who survived on a benefit, preferred to help others before helping themselves, she said.
“I really don’t like asking for help but this time we needed it …
“All I can say is thank god we are all still here and thank god people have helped.”
Family friend Jace Jammo said he had started a Facebook fundraiser for the family because Ms Villa had helped him during times of hardship.
The family spent the past week in accommodation paid for by Whittlesea Council, however it was not known where they would live in the long term.
Aceson attended daycare in Epping and Ms Villa hoped someone with a three bedroom private rental in Epping, or Thomastown would offer them a roof over their heads.
For now Ms Villa was focused on finding a new place to call home and helping Aceson recover from the trauma of the incident.
Items can be donated to Countrywide Community Mission in Epping.
To donate funds go to the gofundme page or Help a family who lost everything in a fire Facebook fundraiser page
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