Top: Toomuc fire brigade member Alistair Stewart surveys the damage after a shed fire in Pakenham on Saturday.By Paul Dunlop
A SHOWCASE 1952 Chevy was destroyed in a shed fire in Dobson Court, Pakenham, on Saturday.
The cherry red car, pride and joy of its owner Jack Humphreys, was once featured in Performance Street Car magazine.
It was among a host of household items and other equipment lost in the blaze, which started about 3.15pm.
Pakenham CFA officials said the cause of the fire was still being investigated, although it was being treated as suspicious.
It is believed young teenagers playing with matches could have been the cause.
Fire crews from the Pakenham and Toomuc brigades attended the blaze.
Incident controller and Pakenham CFA first lieutenant Wayne Nutting said about 20 firefighters fought the fire, which began at the rear of the shed and spread quickly.
“We were able to bring it under control relatively quickly but there was a lot of material in the shed to burn,” he said.
The fire attracted a crowd of onlookers from neighbouring houses and streets.
Mick Runting of Duncan Drive said he looked out of his window and saw a thick plume of smoke coming from the shed.
“It was really burning fiercely,” he said.
Rhonda Humphreys said the family was still coming to terms with the blaze.
She paid tribute to the CFA for its efforts and paid special thanks to the many people who had contacted her in the days after the fire to offer support.
“It’s just been nonstop,” she said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by people’s kindness.
“Everybody’s been so supportive and we want to put out a big ‘thank you’ to the people who have been in touch.
“The community spirit is really alive and well.”
