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Family lose home to fire

A Dalyellup family of 10 considers themselves ``lucky’’ they were not at home at the time of a house fire that caused about $250,000 damage this morning.

Firefighters from the Bunbury Career Fire and Rescue Service and the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blaze on Coojong Road about 9am.

Two firefighters battled the blaze in breathing apparatus and were able to put out the fire by 9.30am.

Suzanna Aguilar, a mother of eight, was dropping her children at school when it is believed the home caught fire.

``I came home and it was already in flames,’’ she said.

``All my children are safe and that’s all that matters – I’m very lucky.’’

Mrs Aguilar’s children are aged between 16 and two-months-old.

The family have not been allowed to see the extent of the damage but believe they may have lost most of their belongings.

``I can’t go back,’’ Mrs Aguilar said.

Nearby resident James Taylor lives one street away from the home and ran over when he saw the black smoke outside his house.

``I was running around the house just trying to find out if anyone was home,’’ he said.

``I was told there could be a baby inside so I just smashed the windows to check all the rooms before firefighters pulled up.

``I just did what any normal person would do, I helped a neighbour out.’’

Firefighters believe the fire may have been caused by a heater in one of the children’s bedrooms.

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