EVERYONE is safe ... that’s the main thing, Wedderburn’s Steve Derks said as he surveyed the devasting scene left after fire destroyed the family home.
CFA volunteers from Wedderburn, Berrimal and Charlton were unable to save the weatherboard house that had been the Derks’ home for more than nine years.
Steve’s wife Evie and their youngest daughter escaped uninjured as flames took hold about 11am Friday. Wedderburn brigade captain Harry Hargreaves said volunteers had stopped flames spreading to a shed and neighbouring properties.
A community appeal has quickly raised more than $4500 for Steve, Evie and children Zac, Dixie-Rose, Archa, Belle and Hazen.
Steve said on Saturday: “The community has been wonderful. Everyone is safe and that’s the main thing.”
He said the home had been extensively renovated since the family moved in almost a decade ago.
“We’ve always been doing something,” Steve said. “We had insurance, you can’t be without it.”
Police said it was believed the fire started in the kitchen.
Ambulances attended the High Street fire and traffic on the Calder Highway was restricted for several hours.
The Derks are in temporary accommodation while other arrangements are made.