By Bonny Burrows
Witnesses have recounted the moments they doorknocked their Pakenham neighbourhood, dragging pyjama-clad residents from their homes as a roaring fire engulfed a Celebration Circuit home.
Amanda Young awoke to “two large bangs”, about 9.15am on 3 November, and rushed outside to find a house less than 100 metres from her own “fully alight”.
In what has been hailed as heroic by locals, Ms Young and friend Bianca Shearer banged on neighbouring doors, telling residents to get out.
“There was a lady across the road who was too distressed to leave but I had to get her and her two children outside,” Ms Young said.
“We just had to get everyone out.
“There were two very loud explosions and the flames were probably up to three storeys high, they were massive.”
Ms Shearer said the explosions felt like “a bloody earthquake”.
Despite her own concerns, she said neighbour safety was her first priority.
“Next door was an elderly couple, so I ripped them out of their house,” Ms Shearer said.
Shocked residents and young children dressed in pyjamas looked on as fire crews from Pakenham, Hallam, Officer and Toomuc worked tirelessly to save as much as the property as possible.
The blaze, which police don’t believe to be suspicious, was declared under control at 9.58am.
Emerald police Acting Sergeant Marcus Coolen said the fire appeared to have started in the garage, however investigations were ongoing.
“It’s unknown at this time what’s actually started the fire; it’s still going to be under further investigation,” Act Sgt Coolen said.
He said thankfully nobody was injured in the fire.
“There were people inside the house originally at the time of the explosion but we’ve got no injuries and nobody’s been hurt as a result of the fire,” Act Sgt Coolen said.
“The majority of the damage has been contained to the garage itself, and partial part of the house.”
Act Sgt Coolen said the fire posed no threats to neighbouring properties.
