DAWN and David Keirle’s makeshift house in a Coonabarabran shed feels just like home “but a little different”.
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Their shed, which the couple are renovating, sits close to the remains of their home which was destroyed by a bushfire that swept through the district in January.
They’re slowly gathering more possessions thanks to the generosity of the public and will remain in their shed until their insurance claim is processed and rebuilding can commence. That could still be 18 months away.
Mrs Keirle said even the region’s most seasoned firefighters had dubbed this year’s fire the worst disaster they had experienced.
As fire raged on the outskirts of Coonabarabran on Sunday January 13, the Keirles, themselves volunteer firefighters, left their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs, the family dog, three sets of summer clothes, pillows, camping mats and a doona.
They returned three days later to find their house destroyed, with only the brick foundations still standing.
“I was shocked, absolutely shocked and gutted,” Mrs Keirle said.
“We came here from out west. We were attracted to the Warrumbungles (National Park) and we still are attracted to it.
“Everyone says it’s the worst (fire) they’ve ever experienced. Even seasoned firefighters say they have never seen anything like it.
“It’s still a large topic of conversation whenever we meet up with people and we’ve had a lot of support from friends and even strangers.
“Fortunately our shed didn't burn down. We had a bathroom in the shed and we’ve moved into it and are renovating it to liveable standards one end.
“We will rebuild. We’re just waiting on insurance to find out when it would be.”