A devastating fire caused by a Christmas tree turned a Greek family’s home in Melbourne into ashes, leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing. The tragedy unfolded just days before Christmas.
The two-story home in Glen Waverley, where the family had lived for 24 years, caught fire on Sunday night, December 22, 2024. The blaze started from the decorated Christmas tree, according to reports.
Maria Bulovic, a friend of the family, has launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to support them during this difficult time. In her post, she shared the harrowing details:
“Hi, my name is Maria, and I am raising money to help my dear family friends who lost everything in a house fire on Sunday, December 22, 2024. George and Roula, along with their two beautiful daughters, have been left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
Their home, filled with 24 years of memories, is now completely destroyed. Roula was at work, and George was home with their daughters, aged 16 and 3, when the smoke alarm went off. George noticed the Christmas tree was on fire. He tried to move the tree outside and extinguish the flames with a garden hose, but the fire grew rapidly, consuming the house.”
George managed to get his daughters out safely but suffered burns on his legs and hand during his attempts to extinguish the fire.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family, especially during the holiday season. They are now trying to rebuild their lives and provide a sense of normalcy for their children. I am asking friends, family, and the community to contribute whatever they can to help this family rebuild their lives. Your donation will go a long way in covering basic necessities like clothing, food, and other essential items during this extremely difficult time. Thank you so much for your support,” Maria wrote.
The community has already responded generously, with dozens of people, including many from the Greek-Australian community, donating to the cause.
The fire also spread to nearby houses, causing significant damage. It took 38 firefighters to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, the family’s home is beyond repair and will need to be demolished.
