A family from Perth faced a devastating experience when a fire erupted in their Ravenswood home, destroying everything except the clothes they were wearing, merely weeks before Christmas. Lee Hourne, the father, recounted how he woke up to strange noises in the garage that turned out to be flames. As he battled the blaze with his three-year-old son by his side, panic set in when visibility was lost due to thick smoke.
Amid the chaos, Lee managed to rescue his eldest son, guided by his cries, while searching helplessly for his youngest. Despite the family’s narrow escape, they suffered smoke inhalation and were left without a home, vehicles, or possessions. Tragically, they had cancelled their insurance only months prior due to financial hardships after Lee’s work-related injury.
In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Hayley’s brother to assist the family. However, they faced unkind speculation and malicious gossip within their community, falsely suggesting involvement in illegal activities. Despite the initial alarm regarding a hydroponic setup found in their home, an investigation revealed no criminal activity; the tent was merely used for spray tanning, and the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries, a common risk as appliances age.
Lee and Hayley have found this period particularly difficult, with Hayley stating that community rumours about them have been even more challenging than losing their home. Authorities confirmed that lithium-ion battery fires are frequent and unpredictable, urging homeowners to store batteries safely and to evacuate in case of a fire, rather than attempting to extinguish it themselves.
The Hourne family’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis.