Darwin retirees lose home and all possessions in Livingstone fire

Retirees Graham and Margaret Doyle have lost their home and all possessions to a bushfire in Livingstone, Darwin. The fire swept through their rural property on Sunday afternoon, leaving only rubble and dust. They were oblivious to the approaching flames as they watched football and prepared dinner. The last fire alert had indicated the blaze was moving away from their home. However, upon seeing the flames approaching from their back door, Graham and Margaret realized the danger.

Mr. Doyle described the fire as moving at an alarming speed, likening it to the surf on the East Coast. He managed to evacuate their three dogs but could not save any cherished belongings due to the rapidly spreading flames. The garden hose had already been destroyed, and he resorted to using buckets and the kitchen sink to attempt to put out the fire. The fireball that hit him was the last he could do inside the burning house.

Bushfires NT Incident Controller Nathaniel Staniford confirmed that only one house was severely impacted by the fire, citing the high fuel load in the area as the primary cause of its intensity and rapid spread. Additional crews were called in to assist, but they too ran out of water. Mr. Doyle was taken to the hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Despite the devastating loss, Mr. Doyle remains grateful for his life. He returned to the destruction of his home on Tuesday, searching for irreplaceable items such as his wife's engagement ring and wedding ring. He also sought to retrieve his parents' medals, army discharge certificates, and his own university and TAFE qualifications.

A crowdfunding campaign set up by their granddaughter has raised over $8,000, but the couple now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and securing permanent housing. Historical storm water drainage issues in the area prevented them from obtaining insurance for their home, leaving them with little choice but to consider a cheap caravan for their future residence.