ARCHIVED - Family home completely gutted by fire in Catral on the Cost Blanca
Friends and neighbours have started a collection for the family in Catral in the Vega Baja, Alicante province.
A family of five has lost everything after their home was completely gutted in a devastating fire.
The blaze broke out around 1.30pm on Tuesday, June 15, at the rural property off the La Borda road, with smoke visible several kilometres away.
Fortunately the family of five, including an 18-month-old, were not at home at the time, but the property was completely destroyed with Alicante firefighters unable to save a lot of the structure, while surrounding land was also damaged by the flames.
It's not yet known what caused the fire, which spread rapidly through the home and also burned down an outhouse on the same plot.
While the Martinez family have lost their home and all of their belongings, they say they are "very grateful" to family, friends and neighbours who have rallied round to collect clothes, household goods and other necessities for them.
They are also lending a helping hand to clean up the area and "try to recover part of the house" and any salvageable belongings.
IMAGE: Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos