Couple upset to lose mementos
It is the irreplaceable mementos, such as photo albums and gifts from loved ones, that Anton Punkka and Amy Fisher would have saved from their home had they the chance.
But the Stoneville couple were in Melbourne on holidays when fire tore through their Narla Retreat home, which they bought together a year ago.
Their dog, rescued by Mr Punkka's brother - along with a shed, chook pen and the couple's garden - was all that survived Sunday's fire.
"Everything's insured, but it is stupid little things, gifts and stuff like that," Mr Punkka said yesterday.
A life saved | Prepare defences | Traumatic return | Return to rubble | Sold, then nothing
Ms Fisher, 24, moved up to the Hills to live with her 25-year-old partner, who has lived in the area for 20 years. They plan to rebuild and said they loved the area.
"I would hate for people to get scared by (the fire), because it really is just a freak thing," Mr Punkka said.
Ms Fisher added: "You can't blame anyone. It's no one's fault, it's just the way it is.
"But it will be a long road, a tough road. We've got lots of support from family and friends, but it's disappointing that we weren't home to be able to get things that we'd planned on grabbing if something did happen. All my photos are gone.
"It's the little things that mean something to you. Other things can be replaced."
