A large home in Bangholme engulfed in flames was the scene that confronted firefighters upon arrival to the Greenpatch Drive property.By Shaun Inguanzo
A BLAZING inferno tore through a Bangholme house leaving damage with an estimated repair bill of $1 million in its wake.
An army of 40 firefighters, most wearing breathing apparatuses, battled the fire just after midnight on Monday at a property along the rural Greenpatch Drive in Bangholme.
Michael James from Patterson River CFA said the fire was well involved when firefighters arrived.
He said the family of four was awoken by the sound of a large explosion and was lucky to escape with only minor smoke inhalation after fleeing with the roof alight.
An ambulance treated the family members on scene and none were taken to hospital.
Mr James said two major challenges facing firefighters during the blaze included pumping water from a hydrant that lay 250 metres from the property, and ensuring sparks did not reach the nearby grasslands and start a larger blaze.
He said firefighters used portable pumps to syphon water from a back yard swimming pool in addition to the distant hydrant.
But it was too little too late for the family of four as the weatherboard home was totally destroyed by the fire, with all but a few antiques remaining.
“It was very intense fire,” Mr James said.
“It was visible to crews while they were proceeding to the scene.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation but there are no suspicious circumstances.”
CFA crews also saved several horses on the property, and kept their stables intact.
Mr James said the family opted to stay at the property to help care for the horses.
He praised fire crews and said under the circumstances there were positive results.
“Even though their home was destroyed, it was a good outcome for the family involved because they managed to escape with virtually no injuries and the fire was contained to the structure of origin,” Mr James said.
“Our main concern is the safety risk to lives.
“Certainly the owners were quite distressed when we got there but it was a matter of salvaging what there was remaining.
“Some quite significant property was saved by firefighters.”
CFA crews in attendance travelled from Frankston, Edithvale, Carrum Downs, Skye and Patterson River, while Dandenong temporarily covered Patterson River’s jurisdiction.
