Sandra and David Gore’s Shoalhaven Heads home burns down in horror fire

A South Coast family has been left devastated after their beloved “forever home” was reduced to ashes during birthday celebrations, with their two dogs killed in the blaze.

The Gore’s home burnt down on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Supplied

A South Coast family’s world has been shattered after their “forever home” burned to the ground in a horror inferno – taking their beloved dogs with it.

David and Sandra Gore lost their recently renovated Boyd St, Shoalhaven Heads home in a devastating blaze on Saturday afternoon.

The pair’s daughter, Annie Gore, told this publication the fire tore through the property while the entire family was out celebrating Sandra’s birthday.

Fire and Rescue are still investigating, but the blaze is believed to have started in the study.

Ms Gore described the heartbreak.

Sandra and David Gore were described as “beautiful people”. Picture: Supplied

“They’re such beautiful people,” she said.

“They didn’t deserve this, it’s one of the worst things that can happen.”

The house was destroyed in the blaze. Picture: Supplied

Ms Gore, her family and her dog Winnie, travelled to the coast from Canberra for birthday celebrations.

However, a celebratory lunch turned to horror when a neighbour called with the unthinkable news.

“They said the whole house was up in flames,” Ms Gore said.

To make the already heartbreaking news worse, Winnie and Ms Gore’s sister’s dog, Risotto were in the house at the time.

More than $11,000 has been raised in just days. Picture: Supplied

“They both died,” an emotional Ms Gore revealed.

“It’s just awful, just horrendous.”

Neighbours rushed to help, kicking in the garage door to salvage what they could.

Among the few items saved was Sandra’s sewing machine and David’s treasured surfboards.

Ms Gore said her father, a well-known surfboard shaper in the region, poured years of craftsmanship into the boards.

“They mean a lot to him,” she said.

The fire was eventually contained by Fire and Rescue and enormous efforts from Rural Fire Service volunteers.

“An offensive attack was initiated by our first CABA (Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus) team, who worked to knock down some of the fire before being forced to withdraw due to a roof collapse,” a Rural Fire Service spokesman said.

“The fire was then fought externally by multiple teams of CABA crews until it was fully extinguished.”

In an effort to help her parents rebuild their lives, Mr Gore launched a GoFundMe, which has already surpassed more than $11,000 in just days.

“My mum cries every time I tell her the new number,” she said.

“So many people, many who we don’t even know, are reaching out to help us.

“It’s absolutely overwhelming and we are all so, from the bottom of our hearts, so thankful.”

Investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.

Got a news tip? Email us at [e-mail]

Originally published as Sandra and David Gore’s Shoalhaven Heads home burns down in horror fire