By SONJA KOREMANS
THE house fire that killed a much-loved Warwick man has left his wife and daughter homeless and without any possessions.
Police described the blaze on Anzac Day as a double tragedy, with the death of a family man, and two of his loved ones escaping the fire with only the clothes they were wearing.
Darling Downs cricket umpire and former Sheffield Shield opening batsman Wilf Brown, 85, died in the Gore Street fire just before 2am on Saturday.
It is believed Mr Brown became trapped after battling the flames to try to save his dog, however police could not confirm the reports.
His wife Leonore and daughter Jane were able to flee the fire and firefighters frantically searched the property to locate Mr Brown.
Warwick police acting officer-in-charge Shane Reid urged the local community to throw their support behind Mr Brown’s wife and daughter.
“Without losing sight that a member of the community has lost his life, there is a second tragedy here that the deceased man’s wife and daughter have lost everything,” he said.
They have nothing other than the pyjamas they were wearing when they escaped, he said.
“It’s understandable that the community focuses on the loss of life, but it’s also important to remember the family members who are left behind and to provide them with support.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known and a police investigation into the blaze is underway.
Warwick Credit Union has set up an account so the community can support the family.
How to help: Anyone can send money by funds transfer from their bank account or by making a deposit at at any WCU branch. The Brown Family Appeal, BSB 817001 Account number 63268.
Read sport columnist Casey O’Connor’s tribute to Wilf Brown in Spin on Page 22.
