An out-of-control blaze believed to have been sparked by a hybrid electric car has left a family home a smoking mess with neighbours rushing to help as loud explosions woke the street.
The blaze erupted at a Smithfield property, in Sydney’s southwest, just before 3am on Friday, forcing the family in the home to flee to their backyard as flames threatened the house.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire, but not before two cars were completely gutted and the front of the property was scorched.
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For Saul Soto, who has lived in the home with his wife and children for 21 years, the devastation of the fire was overwhelming.
“I feel sad. It’s very hard, it’s emotional,” he told 7NEWS.
“Devastating inside my heart, you know.”
The fire is believed to have originated from a hybrid Toyota RAV4 that Soto purchased a year ago.
“They believe it came from the car,” he said.
Fire investigators said the blaze started in the front of the car.
“The fire’s originated under a bonnet so it’s concealed and can build up a lot of heat and then just break out,” Fire and Rescue Supt Adam Dewberry explained.
While the cars and home are covered by insurance, it remains unclear when or even if the Soto family will be able to move back into their damaged property.
Despite the devastating loss, the family escaped without injury, with neighbours coming to their aid during the terrifying ordeal.
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