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SYDNEY - Emergency services have had a whip-round for a Sydney family who lost their presents in a Christmas tree fire.
The tree caught alight about 9pm (11pm NZT) on Christmas eve at a Currans Hill home, in Sydney's south-west, after lit candles were placed in it.
Six people aged from six months to 80 years were taken to Campbelltown Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
The 49-year-old male home owner and his mother remain in a stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
The man's wife, Teresa Neeves, told Macquarie Radio Network, most of the Christmas presents were destroyed, and although the fire was contained to the lounge room, soot spread throughout the house.
"We lost most of the Christmas presents that were underneath tree and we won't be able to live in the house until it's cleaned of soot from one end of it to the other," she said.
"It's in the cupboards, it's everywhere.
"And the smell, it's really bad, it's all through all of our clothes, it's quite incredible really."
Ms Neeves said she was staying strong for her family.
"Especially with hubbie not being here to be the rock, I have to take on that role now, I have to step up."
NSW Ambulance, fire and police services have collected A$400 ($484) for the family to help purchase new gifts.
- AAP
