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Thursday May 23, 2013

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Community rallies after grieving Kurunjang man loses everything in house fire

Posted by: Michael James | 24 December, 2012 - 9:53 AM
House fire

A Kurunjang man has lost everything in a house fire only a year after his five-year-old son was killed in a tragic driveway accident.

The fire ripped through Simon McCumber's home late on Saturday believed to have been sparked by a faulty evaporative cooling system.

"I went down to the shops and about 15 minutes later I had a phone call from my neighbour saying 'Simon. Get home your house is on fire'," he told Justin Smith on 3AW.

"I raced home and I could see the fire black smoke bellowing out from a few kilometres away and I got home it was just total devastation."

Simon's 15-year-old son Jordan managed to retrieve several possessions before the fire took hold.

"He ran in got the dog out. Then the silly dog followed him back in again and he got the bird out and put that in the park across the road," he said.

"And then he ran back into my room and grabbed my 5-year-old son's ashes and then by that time he couldn’t go back in again."

Major Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army says it's important that Simon and his family have the support that they need.

"We just want to let Simon and his family know, particulary Jordan, that there is a whole bunch of people around Melbourne that really care about them and are deeply concerned about them," he told Justin Smith.

"We just want to do anything we can do to help. First of all to get them back on there feet but also let them know that they are not in this on there own."

If you would like to help out call 96 900 693 or email mornings@3aw.com.au.

Image

Simon McCumber with his son, Brandon, who was tragically killed in a driveway accident last year. (Image: of 9 News)

MAP: Kurunjang, Victoria


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LISTEN:Simon Macumber speaks with Justin Smith

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Blog comments Your Say

  • We can judge a society on how kind it is to those less fortunate for whatever reasons.
    Sometimes life seems too hard to bare and the kindness of strangers makes the difference.
    Kindness could include refraining from making nasty remarks online.
    Good luck Simon - things can only get better. Remember that people do care.

    Carol Thursday 27 December, 2012 - 3:31 PM

  • If I were the one who won Oz Lotto last week, I know what I'd be doing with a small portion of it! My thoughts are with you, you need a break.

    Janet Monday 24 December, 2012 - 9:26 PM

  • So why not ask his insurance company to expedite the payment?

    He did have insurance didn't he?

    PH Monday 24 December, 2012 - 7:43 PM

  • We live 8 houses away and witnessed the terrible fire. My children decided to make a box with Simons story and have walked around for two hours asking the neighbours for donations. I am so proud of Reece (9) and Owen (6) for being brave, having a voice and helping their neighbour in need. The boys raised $170

    Erika Abrigonde Monday 24 December, 2012 - 4:00 PM

  • Umm nice one Ian. His 15 year old son was home, it's not as if the home was empty.

    Terrible tragedy! Wishing Simon & Jordan all the best for the future.

    Jules Monday 24 December, 2012 - 11:52 AM

  • Sorry, but I turn off all appliances before leaving my house.

    IAN Monday 24 December, 2012 - 10:51 AM

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