A West Australian family has become homeless again after a fire destroyed their rental overnight, with two young children and three pet dogs saved by the parents' quick-thinking.
Robbie Costa and his partner Christie Edwards said they were back to square one with no place to call home.
The fire started after 4am on Thursday, in the Albany suburb of Yakamia.
Ms Edwards said she woke after believing she had heard the cat and saw the flames ripping through her daughter's bedroom.
Her daughters Allyvia, 9 and Piper, 7, were inside.
Mr Costa jumped into action to ensure both of his daughters got out safely.
He said he then ran through the flames to save his three pet dogs — including two puppies.
No one was injured.
Mr Costa said neighbours lent him a hose to try and put out the fire but it had already engulfed the back portion of the house.
"[We] tried to put it out but it didn't work," Mr Costa said.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said four fire-fighting crews were deployed after a triple-0 call was made.
A spokesperson said firiefighters arrived at 4:18am and the fire was extinguished in nine minutes.
It is believed the fire was linked to a fridge in the back patio area.
There was significant smoke damage to Piper's bedroom as well as the bathroom and laundry.
Mr Costa said firies believed the rental would have to be demolished.
He said he was devastated that he would have to seek a new home after just getting settled.
His family moved into the Albany rental eight months ago after a three-month stint being homeless.
He said they had struggled to find an affordable rental that allowed pets.
"We don't know where we are going to go after this … couch surf pretty much," he said.
"On the street, homeless, looking for somewhere to live … we had nothing before this place."
Mr Costa said his family needed help and urged anyone with holiday homes to consider renting to people in need.
Ms Edwards also pleaded for emergency housing.
"Where are we meant to go, there's nowhere else for us to go," Ms Edwards said.
She was worried about how it would affect her young daughters.
The DFES spokesperson said the Department of Communities has been contacted.
