Heroic Blind Neighbour Fights Massive House Fire
In a dramatic turn of events, a legally blind neighbour became an unlikely hero when a devastating fire broke out in Townsville’s Garbutt suburb.
Richard Willshire, 63, didn’t think twice before grabbing his garden hose to battle the flames that threatened to spread to nearby properties.
Family Loses Everything in Three-Hour Inferno
The Sunday evening blaze, which took firefighters three hours to control, completely destroyed the home of a single mother and her 10 children.
The family watched helplessly as their memories went up in flames, losing everything from family photos to basic necessities like clothes and kitchen supplies.
“All Hell Broke Loose”: Witness Describes Terrifying Scene
“Windows were exploding, and shrapnel was flying everywhere,” says Willshire, who bravely fought the flames despite his visual impairment.
“The heat was intense, but you can’t just stand there and watch. I had to do something.”
Community Steps Up: What the Family Needs Now
The family’s immediate needs include:
- Clothes for kids aged 6-15
- Nappies and baby bottles
- Food and blankets
- Shoes
- Basic household items
How You Can Help
The mother’s niece has launched a community collection drive, saying, “My aunty and cousins are now homeless and have lost everything in this massive house fire.”
The grateful mother has been touched by the community’s initial response to help her family rebuild their lives.
While authorities have labeled the incident as an “accident,” investigations are ongoing. The Queensland fire authorities have been contacted for additional information about the cause of the blaze.