Family devastated after blaze claims puppies' lives

A MALVERN family is trying to rebuild their lives after a devastating fire tore through their home on Wednesday, claiming the lives of three puppies and destroying all their belongings.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Tenant Willem Uitslag described the harrowing experience, crediting divine intervention for his survival.

Uitslag, his wife Johanna, and his father-in-law Louie were on the porch of the old wood and iron home when they saw smoke coming out of the room. Their 15-year-old son Willem Junior was in another room.

Uitslag said within a matter of minutes, the house was engulfed in flames. Uitslag said he immediately rushed into the house to get his son out to safety.

Willem said he realised that his dogs were also inside one of the rooms and re-entered the home while the fire was spreading.

The family has a Dachshund, a Rottweiler, a Great Dane and two Pit-bulls. They had nine Rottweiler puppies inside a basket in their room. Three of the puppies died in the house.