By Mitchell Clarke
A well-liked and respected Ripplebrook man has died after fire engulfed his West Gippsland home.
Harold Smythe, a father of five and grandfather of nine, was inside his property on Lyle-Dixon Road with a friend when flames took hold just before 4.30am on Saturday 21 September.
It’s believed the sound of explosions and smoke woke the pair, with Mr Smythe’s friend managing to escape to a neighbouring property to call for help.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, sadly 70-year-old Smythe was located deceased.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire with authorities confirming it wasn’t being treated as suspicious.
“We believe it started from the back area of the house possibly by candle or mosquito coil, that sort of thing,” Sergeant John Roberts told media.
CFA crews were faced with an “intense fight” due to the property being made up of cedar weatherboard, resulting in structural collapse, with the roof coming to lie on the ground.
Mr Smythe had lived in the town his entire life with his death devastating the community.
“The effect will be felt wide, (he was) a very well-liked and respected man in the town,” Sgt Roberts added.
