Family mourn third victim of Footscray factory fire

A FATHER of two who would “do anything to help others” is being mourned as the third person killed in a fire at an abandoned Footscray factory.

• Mum, daughter mourned after fatal fire
• Fatal fire accused ‘seen with fuel can’

A FATHER of two who would “do anything to help others” is being mourned as the third person killed in a fire at an abandoned Footscray factory.

David Griffiths, 39, died when the former Kinnear’s rope works factory he had been squatting in was set alight.

Tanya Burmeister, 32, and her 15-year-old daughter Zoe — just weeks shy of celebrating her birthday — also perished.

Delahey man Darren Patrick Clover, 52, is accused of lighting the fatal blaze.

Loved ones have been left devastated at the loss of Mr Griffiths, whose children are both aged under 9.

His sister, who asked not to be named, told the Herald Sun: “He was caring and loved his family.’’

“At family gatherings he would always play outside with the kids,’’ she said.

“He would help anyone when there was a need.”

Longtime family friend Terry McKay said Mr Griffiths — best known as “Bluey” — was a talented handyman and gardener.

David Griffiths, 39, died when the former Kinnear’s rope works factory he had been squatting in was set alight. Picture: Supplied

He tended to a plot on Kinnear St at the rear of the former factory and often fixed bikes for people in the neighbourhood.

“He was very talented,’’ Mr McKay said.

“He was a bit of a Mr Fix It.”

Mr Griffiths, who separated from his wife several years ago, had lived in the suburbs before finding himself on the streets having battled addiction.

“All the indications were that he was starting to get himself back together again,’’ Mr McKay said.

“No one expected this.

“It’s terrible.

“It’s not as if when he was growing up he had problems with anything.

“A lot of people remember him as a little tee-ball umpire — he was just a good kid.

“And he was so proud when he had his own.”

His family was struggling to cope.

“They are absolutely wonderful people,’’ Mr McKay said.

“They are the most lovely family you could imagine.”

It’s unclear what Mr Griffiths’ association was with Ms Burmeister.

Support worker Les Twentyman said Mr Griffiths was popular and the March 1 fire tragic proof of the need for more emergency accommodation in the area.

Locals touched by the tragedy have placed flowers outside the charred factory.

“I hope there’s an afterlife and it’s beautiful,’’ read one note.

Another scrawled in black marker on brown paper wrapping a bunch of roses said simply “Sorry”.

A scarf for Mr Griffiths’ favourite football team the Western Bulldogs was hung on the factory wall.

Family plan to place the memento on his coffin.

A fire detective, forensics and police from the Arson and Explosives Squad at the scene of a fire where three people died at an unused factory in Footscray. Picture: Hamish Blair

It’s understood accused Mr Clover — who had also lived rough — had been in a relationship with Ms Burmeister and regarded her as the love of his life but they had recently split.

He has been charged with three counts of murder, arson causing death and arson.

The matter returns to court on June 9.