Young farming family lose everything in house fire

Max (26), Lani (22) and Marlin (7 months) are a young farming family living on the central plateau at National Park. Around 6 pm on Friday they returned home from working on the farm, to find their rented farmhouse in flames. Max tried to enter the house to recover some items but could not even see his hand in front of his face, the smoke was so thick, so he was forced to retreat. Max used the garden hose until Fire services arrived and Lani rescued the household pets. Within minutes everything they owned was completely lost.

The young family only had the clothes they were wearing and their vehicles left, which were in a nearby garage. They lived on the farm where they worked but will not have a house to return to, so they headed up to family in Hamilton / Cambridge and Rotorua for a few days before they return to start working again. At this stage it is unknown where they will stay upon their return. Temporary accomodation offsite is being sought.

Fire Service officers have said any items in the house remains are all fire, smoke and water damaged, so are a write off. The smoke damaged items are toxic, so nothing is salvageable.

They have a small contents insurance policy which they hope will cover some replacement personal items, clothing and other basics. However it will go nowhere near to replacing everything required to recreate a household for a family.

They lost newly aquired baby items such as a high chair, cot, carset etc for for baby Marlin, Lani has lost all her clothing, art supplies and sentimental family heirlooms. All their gear required for farm work. EG farm clothing such as wet weather gear, boots, cold weather gear (there is often snow and sleet there) will need replacing for all three. Max is a very keen hunter and has lost years of accumulated camping and hunting gear and equipment.

Max and Lani are very grateful for all the offers of household items and clothing they have received so far, but from a practical point of view, since they will wont have a home to return to immedately, any financial support would be greatfully accepted so they can then replace the most pressing items required first.

We anticipate there are lots of unforseen costs to come with relocating, housing, replacing everything for baby Marlin and equipment / clothing to work again while rebuiding their home life over the coming months