Cranbourne North house destroyed by fire
NEIGHBOURS of a Cranbourne North house destroyed by fire have described it as a “fireball” as they rushed to help rescue the family from the blaze.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
NEIGHBOURS of a Cranbourne North house destroyed by fire have described it as a “fireball” as they rushed to help rescue the family from the blaze.
Sylvia Samawi said the flames were twice as high as the Newton Drive property and there were huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
“We could see the flames coming out of the roof,” she said.
A three-year-old girl was among the children rescued by their brave mother as fire tore through the house.
The mother, Jane Dikilo, and five of her daughters were in bed when the blaze took hold about 9.30pm.
All were able to flee before the house, which is in a fairly new estate, was completely engulfed in flames.
Another neighbour Julie, who asked for her surname to be withheld, said the flames quickly turned into a “fireball”.
“It all just happened so quickly,” she said.
“Luckily the kids were out the front by he time we got over. She (the mother) had them out of the house. That was her biggest concern. She was very controlled. My husband said to her she should move her car so she did that.
“I think she was able to grab her handbag as well but that was it.”
“I’m just glad the kids were all safe.”
A sixth daughter, Annie Mabior, 19, who was not home at the time, returned today to inspect the charred remains of the house.
“I still can’t believe it,” the distressed woman told Cranbourne Leader..
Ms Mabior said her family had bought the house nearly three years ago — but now realised all their possessions were gone.
“It’s all gone — but as long as they (the family) are OK that’s the only thing I care about,” Ms Mabior said.
She said that her 10-year-old sister had burnt her hand, but was otherwise fine.
The girls in the house at the time of the fire were aged between three and 16 years old.
They were today recovering from the frightening incident, Ms Mabior said.
Temporary wire fencing has now been installed at the front of the property for safety reasons.
Ms Mabior said it seemed one of her sisters had accidentally left a candle burning in a living space, which could have started the blaze.
Paramedics assessed members of the family last night but nobody needed to be taken to hospital.