Advertisement

Man loses $1m home in candle fire days before selling

A single candle is believed to have caused two million-dollar homes to go up in flames.

Firefighters in the Brisbane suburb of New Farm described Monday morning’s blaze as a “giant bonfire.”

The woman who lived in the James Street home where the fire started was out walking her dog.

The blaze was so intense, it lit up the street.

The blaze was so intense, it lit up the street. Source: 7 News
The blaze was so intense, it lit up the street. Source: 7 News

The multimillion-dollar property next door didn’t stand a chance.

It’s owner, Tom Milikic, said the home had recently been renovated to the tune of $1.1 million and he was about to put it on the market.

Fortunately, the home was insured, but Mr Milikic is devastated.

“Brand new, every single bit brand new, every single thing,” he said.

Timber residences placed close to each other meant that fires can spread quickly. Source: 7 News
Timber residences placed close to each other meant that fires can spread quickly. Source: 7 News

As for the owner of the home where the fire broke out, a neighbour said: “Her heart’s broken, but she’s alive, her dog’s alive.”

Seven News understands a lit candle burning in the front room was to blame for the destruction.

Neighbours initially feared someone was trapped inside.

“We woke up to screaming – there were people everywhere running around,” witnesses Olivia and Claudia said.

A single candle is believed to have caused two million-dollar homes to go up in flames. Source: 7 News
A single candle is believed to have caused two million-dollar homes to go up in flames. Source: 7 News

“We were running through [the] gates and really hoping nobody was inside,” Kerri McCubbin said.

Both homes were empty, but six people were evacuated from neighbouring units as 35 firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

QFES fire station officer Bruce Clark said timber residences close to each other meant that fires can spread quickly, especially given the level of heat produced.