Christmas Tree Fire Destroys Melbourne Greek Family's Home

A Greek family in Melbourne is facing the heart-wrenching task of rebuilding their lives after a fire, believed to have been triggered by Christmas tree decorations, destroyed their home.

The devastating fire broke out on Sunday night, severely damaging the two-story townhouse in Glen Waverley. The home the family had lived in for 24 years was completely gutted, leaving irreparable damage.

Speaking to Seven News earlier this week, the family's mother expressed relief that her husband and children were safe but shared the emotional toll of the disaster. “My husband and kids are safe. Everything just went quickly… Christmas is ruined, literally,” she said.

To support the family, a family friend, Maria Bulovic, set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help them begin rebuilding their lives. "George and Roula, with their two beautiful daughters, lost everything and were left with only the clothes on their backs,” Bulovic wrote.

The family had lived in their home for 24 years, filled with precious memories. At the time of the fire, Roula was at work, and George was at home with their two daughters, aged 16 and 3. The fire began when George noticed the Christmas tree ablaze after the smoke alarm went off.

He immediately tried to remove the tree from the house and extinguish the flames, but the fire spread too quickly. George suffered burns to his feet and arm while ensuring the safety of his daughters, but thankfully, they all escaped the house unharmed.

The GoFundMe campaign, created just days before Christmas, seeks donations to help the family recover after losing everything. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised over $19,000 of its $50,000 goal.

The fire spread to neighbouring homes, causing further damage. It took 38 firefighters nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, the house must be demolished as it is beyond repair.

Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed that Christmas tree decorations caused the fire.