A Crib Point couple who lost their home in a house fire days after Christmas are now facing the prospect of homelessness while managing serious health issues and the loss of nearly all their belongings.
On Sunday 28 December 2025, firefighters were called to Dartnell Close in Crib Point after a house caught fire, with smoke visible from surrounding areas including Bittern and HMAS Cerberus. CFA crews initially issued an advice message warning that the blaze was not yet contained and that residents should stay informed, although there was no immediate threat to the wider community.
According to a GoFundMe appeal set up by their son Brett, the fire started in the garage and spread quickly, leaving the house “completely destroyed” and taking with it clothes, furniture, personal items and what he describes as irreplaceable memories from the 12 years his parents lived there.
Sandra, 76, and Kevin, 78, escaped without physical injury and their pets also made it out, with the exception of fish that were inside the house at the time. Their son writes that while the family is grateful everyone survived, the emotional and financial toll has been significant.
Living with cancer and no insurance safety net
Brett says his father’s health has made an already devastating situation even harder for the family.
“This situation is made even more difficult by my dad Kevin’s health.”
Brett explains that Kevin has been dealing with serious illness for several years, alongside a cancer diagnosis.
“Kevin is currently living with stage 4, inoperable cancer in his inner chest cavity. He has also previously had multiple melanomas removed from his head, lung, and arm.”
He says his parents were already on limited incomes before the fire and did not have an insurance safety net when their home was destroyed.
“Both of my parents are retired, and they were living without home insurance, as their insurance had lapsed at the time of the fire.”
Since the fire, Sandra and Kevin have been staying temporarily with their daughter. The Salvation Army assisted with two nights of emergency accommodation in Flinders, but this was only a short term arrangement. With their home destroyed and no insurance payout, the family is working to identify longer term options for housing and ongoing care.
Brett says he is helping his parents deal with the loss of their home and uncertainty about where they will live at a time when his father is seriously ill. He writes that watching them go through this has been “heartbreaking” and that they never imagined they would be in this position.
Key needs and community support
The GoFundMe lists several urgent needs, including removal and clean up of the fire damaged house, clothing and basic necessities, medical costs and transport linked to Kevin’s treatment, and basic living expenses and temporary accommodation.
“With their home completely destroyed and no insurance to fall back on, my parents are now facing the very real prospect of homelessness while they try to work out what comes next.”
The fire occurred during the Christmas and New Year period, a time when many households are already under financial and emotional pressure.
Local residents previously told STPL News that up to 17 firefighting units were on scene at one stage, with hoses laid over long distances and nearby roads closed while crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
The family has asked anyone who is able to help to consider donating or sharing the fundraiser, which has been set up under the title “Sandra and Kevin after losing home to fire” on GoFundMe.
