Today marks two weeks since Narelle Hobbs had her life turned upside down by a fire.
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The blaze gutted her home of 12 years in Wood St, Deniliquin, which she rented through Homes Out West.
And while looking at the shell of a home left standing and thinking about all her personal belongings lost still brings a tear to her eye, it’s nothing compared to the heartache of losing one of her long-time companions.
While Narelle was not home at the time of the fire, her two dogs were.
Her neighbours smashed a lounge room window and called for the dogs to come, but only one appeared and could be saved.
Her terrier Maggie sadly died in the home.
Maggie was 16 years-old, and Narelle got her as a rescue 10 years ago. It was about the same time she got her other dog, Lexie.
“While I didn’t own the house, it was my home and losing my own space - it’s just devastating.
“But I don’t care as much about the house as I do my little dog.
“I was in Echuca at my son Dylan’s house that day - as I am every Friday to babysit.
“I was getting ready to head home again, and all of a sudden, all my neighbours and friends started to Facetime me.
“I knew then something was wrong, but I thought it might have been one of the dogs got out.
“Never in a million years did I think it would be that my home was on fire.
“I just kept telling them to get the dogs out.”
Neighbours Jordan Dunbar and Shane Rhook smashed a window and got Lexie out of the house, while other friends and family - including Colleen Hulm, April Weir, Aaron Bamber-Read, Holly McKay, Brodie McQuie and Tori Hattwell - did what they could to help.
And the show of support since from other members of the community has been overwhelming, Narelle said.
“I am Narelle dressed by second hand shops and friends, and so many people have checked on me, and donated to a Go Fund Me page set up by my son.
“I’m normally a private person, so it has all been overwhelming.
“I really can’t thank everyone enough.”
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW Captain Martin Smith said the call to Narelle’s home came in about 3.19pm on Friday, November 21, and the home was already “fully involved” by the time firefighters arrived.
The blaze is believed to have started in Narelle's bedroom, and may have been an electrical fire.
Both Deniliquin fire appliances were deployed for the fire, with 10 firefighters.
A Finley FRNSW tanker and five firefighters also rendered assistance, along with firefighters from the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service.
Ambulance NSW and Murray River Police District were also on scene.
The fire was fully extinguished by about 5.30pm, after which firefighters handed the scene over to police to investigate.
Narelle said the cause of the blaze is still a mystery, but has been advised it was likely electrical.
What the future holds for Narelle is uncertain, especially as she’s unable to find a new home for herself and her dog.
She’s made requests not only in Deniliquin, but through Homes Out West at Moama and privately in areas like Rochester and Tongala.
For now, she’s staying with her son in Echuca.
To donate to help Narelle recover for the devastating fire, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-narelle-get-back-on-her-feet.
The side of the Wood St home, where the first burned hottest.
28°C