Parents battled to save children in horror blaze
Two children have died in a tragic house fire despite the desperate efforts of their parents to save them.
Police say the fire broke out in the lounge room of the weatherboard house, situated on a cattle property near Dunkeld, in western Victoria, at about 3am this morning.
The parents, both aged in their 30s, were able to escape, but their eight-year-old daughter, Georgia Griffin-Wilson, and three-year-old son, Kaden, were trapped inside their bedrooms.
Firefighters say the parents could hear the children screaming, but could not reach them through the intense flames.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Glen Hatton from the arson and explosives squad told reporters: "The young children from the family have been unable to get out of the premises and have died as a result of the fire.
"One of the parents tried to put out the fire from the outside while the other one was attempting to get to the aid of the children and then the other parent's attempted to get back in to help the children as well.
"Both of them have been sort of held back by the fire and the smoke.
"It's a very tragic accident."
Both parents were taken to Hamilton Hospital after suffering from burns, smoke inhalation and shock.
The CFA says the blaze was intense and fanned by strong winds.
Some of the firefighters battling the blaze have children who went to kindergarten with the victims.
Georgia attended Dunkeld Primary School where a flag is flying at half-mast.
Principal Patrick Gleeson said the school community is devastated by the news.
"It's extremely difficult, but we have a wonderful community with lots of support...they have really rallied," he said.
"It will really affect the wider community."
He described Georgia as a 'delightful pupil' who 'brightened up the classroom'.
"She was a very special girl...a fantastic student," he said.
Pupils will be offered counselling and support.
It is understood the family moved to the cattle property for work just six months ago.
Fire investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
It is believed a heater may be to blame.
