The stench of smoke was almost suffocating as fire investigator Craig Bain sifted through the charred remains of the bedroom looking for the spot where the blaze started.
Mrs Sanger's nephew Ray Broad said he had been through the house on Saturday cleaning things up and doing the washing. When the phone rang and he learned of what had happened he was absolutely gutted.
He said his aunt, who he has looked after for more than 16 years, was devastated by the news.
"I had cleaned the place all ready for her to come home. Now we have to work out where she is going to stay."
It was likely Mrs Sanger would remain in hospital for a few more days before a rental home or a motel could be Widow, 92, has home burnt
This tugs at the heartstrings.Craig Bain, fire investigator organised, he said.
About $140 cash had been removed from a yellow elephant money box - money she saved up to buy the latest crime novels.
"She puts away a bit of money to buy books. She's particular about what she reads but she enjoys crime books written by John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Lee Child."
Her bookshelf in the lounge was brimming with books and DVDs were covered in a film of soot. The walls lined with framed photos capturing significant moments during her long life were also covered in a layer of black.
The ceiling was a mosaic of water and soot.
Mr Broad said fortunately the house was insured but he expected it could be some months before the house would be ready to live in again.
Crunching about in the burnt-out bedroom Mr Bain said he had investigated hundreds of fires but some were heart-breaking and this case was one of them.
"This is a lady who has been sick and just wants to come home to her familiar surroundings and some dirtbags have come in and stolen her stuff and set fire to hide the evidence but it didn't work," he said. "This tugs at the heartstrings."
Whangarei police are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the house late on Sunday or early yesterday.
Constable Gordon Romley said a forensic examination of the house had been completed along with a fire investigation.
Anyone with information can contact Whangarei police station on 09 430 4500 or anonymously on 0800 Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111.
If you would like to offer assistance to Pearl Sanger, please contact the newsroom on 09 470 2875 or email reporters@northernadvocate.co.nz
