A RUSSELL Island family escaped with their lives after their home in Fiji Street, was razed to the ground on Saturday afternoon.
Mum-of-two Debra Morgan, 34, jumped from a window to escape as the house was engulfed in flames.
She only had enough time to grab her handbag and one shoe.
Her two children, son Zayne, 5, and daughter Zayah, 11, were visiting friends at the time.
Mrs Morgan's sister, Louise Staunton, said the family's dog was able to get out but unfortunately the cat, Violet, perished in the fire.
"It burnt so quickly and all that's left is two partial walls and we could only salvage a small box of burnt photos, a washing basket of clothes and a small jewellery box," she said.
"The kids have lost everything. But a kind woman has promised to donate an ipad for Zayne who has some learning issues.
"It was so lucky that the children weren't at home at the time because the fire spread so quickly."
Fire fighters took more than an hour to bring the blaze under control and are still investigating the cause.
Two charred walls are left of the house are left standing. But Mrs Morgan plans to rebuild on the site.
A Facebook page, Russell Island Family Homeless After House Fire, has been set up to assist the family and Bendigo Bank has set up a bank account.
Russell Island State School community and P&C are rallying around the family to ensure the children have uniforms, lunchboxes and books.
If anyone has boys clothes, size eight, and girls size 12.
The family has secured short-term accommodation on the island.
Immediate needs are new shoes and socks, winter coats and jumpers, new bedding, personal toiletries and underwear.
Postal address for voucher donations is Morgan family, P O box 5570, Alexandra Hills, Qld 4161.
Money donations go to Bendigo Bank, Morgan Family Fire Appeal, bsb 633-000 Acct 155065428