Fire victim taken aback by kindness

Dannevirke's Chris Bray, in her 70s, escaped her burning home in Burns St on Monday afternoon. Photo / Christine McKay

Chris Bray realises how lucky she was to escape her burning Burns St home on Monday afternoon, but a caring Dannevirke community has put a smile on her face.

"People have been absolutely wonderful and it just restores your faith in human nature," she said. "I can't believe how people have rallied to support me, everyone has my best interests at heart."

The blaze, which started when Chris, in her 70s, tried to light her fire at 3.30pm on Monday, has left her with nothing other than the clothes she was wearing at the time. But on Monday night Dannevirke Police did manage to salvage some photos, albeit burnt and water damaged.

Friend Maria Edwards worked into the night on Monday to separate the photos to make sure they survived.

"When the police arrived with that box of photos from her house, it was such a poignant moment," Maria said. "It was so sad to see all that remained of more than 70 years was in that box. I was determined to set them all out on a board to make sure they didn't stick together and although they're burnt around the edges, there are memories there for Chris."

Chris owned the three-bedroom home which was insured for replacement value, she said.

"On the day of the fire I'd actually just found my father's silver watch and chain and although it's probably melted now, I would still like the remnants," she said. "But I don't know if I'll see it again."

Thanks to the generosity of the Dannevirke Salvation Army who delivered a bed, yesterday generous community members were helping to ease Chris' anxiety, with offers of food and somewhere to shower.

Jan Kennedy of the Vault Cafe on High St called in to see if Chris would like some breakfast and was back later with scrambled eggs and toast.

"She's such a sweetie, it's just something we can do," she said.

Maureen Lyons of the boutique accommodation at the International Police Museum also called in to check on Chris, with an offer of somewhere to shower.

Pete Sinclair, the Dannevirke Volunteer Fire Brigade's fire chief, told the Dannevirke News, the house had a false ceiling, making fighting the blaze difficult for the brigade.

Two appliances from the Dannevirke brigade and one from Norsewood were on the scene for more than two hours.

Mr Sinclair said the fire loading inside the house was also very high, adding to the difficulty of getting it under control.