By PAUL MILLAR
LOCALS have launched an appeal to aid the family of Dimi Cassels after the teenager died in a Newcomb house fire on Tuesday.
Amanda Kettner, who knows the family well, said the Cassels family had lost a much-loved family member in the blaze and also lost all their clothing and possessions.
“We just want to help out in any way that we can by organising donations,’’ she said.
Thirteen-year-old Dimi’s body was found at the rear of the Greenwood Street house on Tuesday afternoon after a fierce fire raged through the single-storey home.
Ms Kettner, who operates the Plaster Barn, at Newcomb, said the family regularly visited her shop.
“They are such a lovely family, very close, beautiful people,” she said.
The clothes of Dimi’s two younger brothers were destroyed in the fire, as were the clothes of his mother Angela.
The Plaster Barn at 58 Charles Street, Newcomb, is being used as the temporary base for the appeal.
Clothing for the boys, size 10-14 is being accepted and sizes 6-8 in shoes.
Ms Kettner said women could donate clothing size 20-22 and shoes sized between nine and 10.
Cash donations are also being taken and eftpos is available on site.
Donations, including toiletries, electronic devices and non-perishable foods can also be left at Christ the King School, Wilsons Road, Newcomb between 9-10am and 6-7pm until further notice.
Forensic detectives worked late into the night at site of the blaze and will provide information for the state coroner.
Police have said that the blaze is not regarded as suspicious.
