Even 10 seconds later and the outcome would have been very different.
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That is how the family of Naomi Willis and the two women who saved her from her burning home described the severity of Monday’s house fire in north Deniliquin.
Naomi’s River St home was gutted when a fire started just before 10am.
By sheer luck, it was about the same time that neighbour Kylie Thompson and her friend Robyn McIlwain were returning from their regular walk with their dogs.
They spotted smoke and went to investigate, discovering that flames were already starting to ravage part of the home.
Unsure if Naomi was inside, they did what they could from outside to rouse her.
When Naomi finally appeared, Robyn rushed inside to help escort her out.
Robyn firmly believes “God put us both there” to help Naomi.
“Kylie and I walk our dogs together most Mondays, and this week we dedicated to start and end in River St, which is quite unusual for us.
“We usually walk for about an hour, but for some reason I suggested we return a little earlier.
“My car was parked outside of Kylie’s house and as we got back there I saw smoke, which looked to be coming out of the air-conditioning unit.
“I asked Kylie, ‘would she have a fire on?’
“Kylie went up the ramp to the house first, and when we realised what was going on, she ran to her house to call emergency services.
“I could see the flames getting bigger in the kitchen area, and immediately started to judge whether I could make my way in there between the flames.
“Not knowing if anyone was inside, I picked up one of the cement pots and started banging it against the walls to see if I could get anyone’s attention.
“I was trying to smash the door in and screaming, and then eventually I saw Naomi.
“Once I caught sight of here - between me and the flames - I just went in and grabbed her.”
By the time Robyn had grabbed Naomi, Kylie was back at the home and helped her friend escort her neighbour to safety.
“Kylie did a simply amazing job talking to Triple Zero and helping to get Naomi seated and out of danger.
“But she was very stressed about her dog which, after some MacGyver moves and climbing the rear fence, was found safe in the backyard.
“By this stage, smoke was pouring out of the house, and the flames were just growing and spreading out.”
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW responded to the blaze, with support from Finley FRNSW and Mid Murray Rural Fire Service crews.
Deniliquin FRNSW Captain Marty Smith said Mulwala FRNSW also helped on the day, manning the Deniliquin station while the local firefighters were in River St.
Deniliquin Police and Ambulance NSW paramedics also responded.
“On arrival, the home was fully involved, and firefighters immediately donned breathing apparatus and conducted what we call defensive fire attack.
“We were on all sides of the house, and also conducting property protection for the home next door.
“The fire was quite intense, and because of the structural instability we were unable to enter the home. We fought the flames from the windows and doors.
“The home was extensively damaged, with a lot of structural timber completely burned away.
“The roof was at collapsing point when we left - sagging but not yet fallen in.
“Once we were finished, we handed the scene to police, who started a crime scene investigation.”
Deniliquin Police Cheif Inspector Michael Fuller said that investigation is ongoing, with no further details relating to cause known yet.
Firefighters left the River St home about 1.30pm, but were called back a short time later due to a reignition.
Capt Smith said flames had reappeared under the floor, and on investigation another reignition was found in a wardrobe.
After the second callout, firefighters were back in the station by 3.30pm.
Kylie praised all the firefighters and other emergency services personnel for their efforts, and her friend Robyn.
“I was very thankful the emergency services were able to prevent the fire spreading to our property.
“Naomi’s garage is very close to ours, and to our gas bottles, so it could have been a very different story.
“Robyn was simply amazing, and she and I were a very good team.
“I was quite shocked when I approached the house and saw the fire was so intense already.
“It is very lucky we were both there. It really is a case of being in the right place at the right time.”
Expressing gratitude to both Robyn and Kylie and all the emergency services was Jamain Willis, on behalf of the whole Willis family.
“Naomi was not injured, but was taken to hospital and is doing well,” Jamain said.
“And her much loved dog is also being looked after by family - a lot of people have been asking us about that.
“We need to say a big thank you to Robyn for going into an unknown house to save a woman she didn’t really know, and to Kylie too.
“Naomi has plenty of family around, and we want to thank the extended family, our friends and others for their support.
“We are so thankful for the work the emergency services did, including keeping us informed throughout the whole process.
“Our family and friends were taking water to them throughout the ordeal, and offering support.
“We also want to thank those who have called, sent messages and visited the hospital since Monday, and those individuals and businesses who have helped us.”
Senior journalist