Wardrop Valley family devastated after fire rips through Tweed Shire home in northern NSW
The Tweed community is rallying around a devastated family after a ferocious blaze destroyed their home and their belongings.
NSW
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The Tweed community is rallying around a heartbroken family after a ferocious blaze destroyed their home and all of their belongings.
On Tuesday, Solitaire and Laurie Smith, along with their two young children, lost their family home in the Tweed’s Wardrop Valley.
No one was injured in the fire and the source of ignition is not yet clear. It’s not believed to be suspicious.
Mr Smith works in permaculture while Mrs Smith is a nurse, according to social media.
The “kind, loving and giving” family have to “start from scratch” after the devastating blaze, according to a fundraiser launched to support them.
“If you know Sol and Laurie, you simply love them. They are the kindest, most loving and giving people,” a friend wrote on the GoFundMe fundraiser.
“Their house wasn’t just a house, but a home and not just for their family, but for anyone who visited.
“Their beautiful babies were born in the lounge room. There have been so many laughs, wonderful conversations and good times in the home with so many incredible memories made.
“Both Sol and Laurie are very environmentally conscious and community minded. They shop locally, give back as much as they can and had amazing plans for their property to help the environment and wider community.”
Mr and Mrs Smith have building insurance, but not contents insurance, it’s stated.
“They will have to buy everything from a washing machine, beds, to pots and pans and everything in between. Sol and Laurie aren’t the kind to ask for help, but are always willing to give it. Right now, they really need it!” the friend said.
“If you are able and willing, please help support this family.”
Tweed residents took to social media to speak of their love for the family, and asked for help.
“These guys are local beautiful caring people, sadly earlier this week they lost their home and all their belongings to a house fire at Wardrop Valley near Murwillumbah. Luckily, no one was hurt but they now have to rebuild their lives,” Emma Peel wrote.
Henrike Schreer added: “Gosh, this is so heartbreaking. Our dear friends Solitaire Smith and Laurie Smith and their two babies just lost their home to a fire in Wardrop Valley.
“Thank god they got out safe. If you know them, please consider donating, they are the loveliest people you could imagine.”
The GoFundMe has raised $9101 towards a $10,000 target.
The family has been approached for comment through the fundraising platform.
Got a story tip? Email sam.stolz@news.com.au
Originally published as Wardrop Valley family devastated after fire rips through Tweed Shire home in northern NSW
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