A Millfield family was devastated when their home was destroyed by fire last Wednesday afternoon.
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Josh and Lana Lane and children – Emily, 15, Cody, 10, William, 7, Pippa, 3 and Evie, 10 months – moved into the Second Street home just over a year ago and are looking forward to welcoming their sixth child in May this year.
An electrical fault is believed to have caused the fire, which broke out around 12.50pm Wednesday.
No-one was at home at the time.
Neighbour Rachael Stothard arrived home to see the fire and called emergency services, while nearby residents Blade Stothard and Michael Parkinson noticed a dog in the backyard, and got it to safety unscathed.
Cessnock Fire Brigade station officer David Fleming said the local brigades were impressed with the quick work of neighbours to contact the authorities and rescue the dog.
Two trucks from Cessnock and one from Bellbird attended the scene and managed to control the fire as much as possible until Energy Australia arrived to shut off the power, then the fire was put out completely.
Station Officer Fleming said the fire station at Paxton was unmanned at the time, and that local brigades are calling for people with daytime availability who are interested in a career in firefighting to contact the zone office on 4933 6179.
Meanwhile, the Lane family has been overwhelmed by the community support they have received since the fire.
A fundraiser will be held at Potters Brewery on Sunday, February 8 from 3pm to 7pm, with live music by local singer Kellie Cain, raffles, games and a community barbecue.
Anyone wishing to donate raffle prizes can do so at Goodstart Early Learning on Aberdare Road; My House (133 Vincent Street, Cessnock) during business hours, or the Funky Junk Flea Markets on the Sunday morning of the fundraiser.
Market manager Charlie McLennan, who is helping coordinate the fundraising effort with Kirsten Hugo (Mrs. Lane’s workmate at Goodstart Early Learning), said the tragedy had brought out the best in the Cessnock community.
“We are all just amazed by the love and generosity of the people in this town,” she said.
Cash donations can also be made at Beyond Bank’s Cessnock branch in Cooper Street.
See the ‘Loving the Lanes Housefire Fundraiser’ Facebook page here for more information.
