An evaporative cooler that burst into flames has resulted in the devastating loss of a Hidden Valley family home.
Seeking refuge from the searing temperatures during the early afternoon on January 4, Anushka Bandaralage, her husband Indika Udagedara, and their two daughters, aged 10 and 11, were relaxing inside their home when the smell of burning plastic alerted them to the fire.
Before long, white smoke began billowing inside.
“We smelled burning plastic and then saw white smoke inside the house,” Ms Bandaralage said.
“Around the same time, [the] fire alarm started beeping … I took our kids out of the house immediately.
“My husband started to put out the fire in the roof.”
Unfortunately, Mr Udagedara’s attempts to extinguish the fire proved futile, and the fire spread quickly, engulfing the house within minutes.
The couple were forced to evacuated before firefighters could attend the scene, only managing to seize their passports, certificates, and a work laptop. Sadly, the family lost all other possessions in the fire.

In response to the devastating loss, the community rallied almost instantly with an overwhelming wave of support, offering food, shelter, and items to the family of four.
“We got [an] outpouring of support from community and friends,” Ms Bandaralage said.
“All our neighbours offered accommodation and food. St [Patrick’s Primary School] and [Assumption College] offered school uniforms, books, and tuition fee relief.
“Ellie, our neighbour, organised a fundraiser and many in the neighbourhood and elsewhere have made donations.
“[Woolworths] Wallan and Kilmore offered us shopping as well. Honestly, we are humbled by the incredible support we’ve been getting.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their support.
“The efforts from the CFA was also incredible. About 30 firefighters joined the effort and fought the fire for three hours to put it under control and [prevent it from] spreading.”
Wallan Fire Brigade thanked the community for their support during the incident, highlighting the significant assistance that many residents provided in their firefighting efforts.
“We are extremely thankful for our volunteers and those of neighbouring brigades, along with our emergency service partner agencies who supported this incident,” they said.
“We’d also like to thank the community members who lent a hand … directing us into the fire, assisting us to run hoses down the road, and especially to the young girl providing refreshments to the crews!”.
Looking to the future, Ms Bandaralage stated that the family was determined to rebuild, and would not let the tragedy keep them from having a joyful new year.
To donate to the MyCause fundraiser to further assist the family, visit https://bit.ly/4aaWyLx.