Christmas razed

A MOUNT Dandenong couple have been left homeless just days before Christmas after fire ripped through their home.
They watched helplessly as fire crews from across the Dandenongs battled the blaze.
The damage bill is estimated to be more than $1.2 million.
The fire started soon after 11am last Friday 11 December at the house on the corner of Bonnie View and Ridge roads, Mt Dandenong.
Olinda CFA’s Steve Walker said there was no hope for the home.
He said the 45-square-metre double-storey house was fully engulfed when crews arrived at the scene.
More than nine trucks and 55 firefighters spent the day dousing the flames.
Crews from Olinda, Mt Dandenong-Kalorama, Ferny Creek-Sassafras, Montrose and Bayswater attended.
Mr Walker said it was the biggest house fire he had seen in his three years with the Olinda brigade.
“We didn’t leave until 7pm that night and we had to bring in an excavator to tear down the house,” he said.
Mr Walker said the owners were not home when the fire started but came rushing to the scene when they heard about the blaze. He said they watched on as their home was destroyed.
“It’s really daunting seeing a family watch everything they own go up in smoke,” Mr Walker said.
“At the end of it all they hugged and thanked us for trying to save their place.”
Belgrave’s Sergeant Andrew Herdman said police believe the fire was started by an electrical fault.
He said police, the CFA and Energy Safe Victoria were continuing investigations.
The Mail was unable to contact the owners before going to print.