FAMILY, friends and total strangers are emptying their pockets to help a young family who have been left gutted by weekend fires.

The “Sir Ivan” bushfire tore through the property of Leadville farmers Chris and Samantha Wentworth Brown, from “Eden Bridge”. It destroyed everything in its wake including their home and a portion of their livestock.

The Wentworth Brown’s children - nine-year-old Ellie and seven-year-old Jack – left behind many family pets but managed to save their horses. 

As the blaze took a hold of his own house, Mr Wentworth Brown was helping protect the village of Uarbry which was later razed to the ground. 

The fire, which has now claimed more than 50,000 hectares of land in the Dunedoo district, also totally destroyed the adjoining farm belonging to Chris’ parents, Bill and Julie. Although sooty, their home remains intact. 

This weekend’s tragedy is yet another blow for the family who five years ago lost Tony, Chris’ brother, in a car accident.

Now Tony’s widow, Margot, has launched a fundraising campaign to help them back on their feet.

“We have raised over $2000 today but there is no goal – there is no amount that is too much, and no amount that is too little. All will help keep them afloat and help them find somewhere to live and start again,” Mrs Wentworth Brown said.  

“Most things can be replaced but they can’t replace their income because their farm has been destroyed. It’s just devastating.” 

The Wentworth Browns weren’t the only ones to lose their homes during the weekend’s catastrophic events. In total the Sir Ivan fire claimed 12 homes (including five at Uarbry), one church and 15 outbuildings. One home was badly damaged. 

The total number of livestock destroyed by the fire has not yet been determined. Initial findings by the Department of Primary Industries have described the losses as “extensive”. 

The Land