NSW: Emergency services collect coin for family's fire loss

AAP General News (Australia)
12-25-2008
NSW: Emergency services collect coin for family's fire loss

SYDNEY, Dec 25 AAP - Emergency services have had a whip-round for a Sydney family
who lost their presents in a Christmas tree fire.

The tree caught alight about 9pm (AEDT) on Christmas eve at a Currans Hill home, in
Sydney's south-west, after lit candles were placed in it.

Six people aged from six months to 80 years were taken to Campbelltown Hospital and
treated for smoke inhalation.

The 49-year-old male home owner and his mother remain in a stable condition, a hospital
spokeswoman said.

The man's wife, Teresa Neeves, told Macquarie Radio Network, most of the Christmas
presents were destroyed, and although the fire was contained to the lounge room, soot
spread throughout the house.

"We lost most of the Christmas presents that were underneath tree and we won't be able
to live in the house until it's cleaned of soot from one end of it to the other," she
said.

"It's in the cupboards, it's everywhere.

"And the smell, it's really bad, it's all through all of our clothes, it's quite incredible
really."

Ms Neeves said she was staying strong for her family.

"Especially with hubbie not being here to be the rock, I have to take on that role
now, I have to step up."

NSW Ambulance, fire and police services have collected $400 for the family to help
purchase new gifts.

AAP nap/it

KEYWORD: TREE UPDATE

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.