The house occupied by a Cabonne Council employee’s family member burnt to the ground on Sunday May 4 after what is believed to be an

electrical fault.

Lou Godwin, Andrea Hodge and eight month old Jyai were living in the house and have lost everything due to the fire. They didn’t have

contents insurance and are forced to start all over again.

“There is nothing left. Lou saved the pram because it was near the front door, but everything else they owned is gone,” Andrea’s mother Kerrie Hodge said.

“It is just terrible. I know they talked about

getting smoke alarms and also talked of getting

contents insurance, but they just didn’t get round to it. If they knew this was going to happen then they would have made sure they got insurance,” Kerrie Hodge said.

Andrea and Jyai went to visit Kerrie and her husband Kelvin and left Lou in the house to sleep.

“Andrea usually drives up to see us, but Lou was so tired, Andrea thought she would let him sleep,” Kerrie said.

According to Kerrie, Lou woke to what he thought was the ceiling collapsing and discovered there was a fire.

He ran to find Jyai and Andrea, when he realised they weren’t there he ran to the police station and got them to ring the fire brigade.

Cabonne Council’s Director of Engineering and Technical Services Robert Stables said they are investigating the smoke alarms.

“We have records that indicate smoke alarms were purchased,” Mr Stables said.

“We know the house was painted about 12 months ago so maybe they were removed then. We have to confirm what has happened.”

According to the NSW rural fire service all NSW residents from May 2006 must have at least one working smoke alarm installed in their homes. This includes rental properties, owner occupied, and temporary accommodation.

Andrea, Lou and Jyai are all living with Kerrie and Kelvin Hodge, but have found another

rental.

The community has gotten behind the young family, offering nappies, clothes and furniture for them to get back on their feet.

The next council meeting is Monday May 19 and it is expected the house will be discussed.