Family of eight, on holiday in New South Wales, left homeless after fire guts two-storey Redland Bay rental
Firefighters from Redland Bay, Capalaba and Beenleigh were on the scene within minutes but were unable to save the brick-and-timber house in Scenic Road.
Capalaba fire chief Paul Omanski said the top storey of the house caved in demolishing the ground floor.
Firefighters rescued half a dozen guinea fowl and chooks from the front garden but were still looking for the pet cat.
The fire was dangerous and the top level of the building collapsed while the firefighters were trying to bring the blaze under control.
He said the family was believed to have left the house on Tuesday to go on holiday and his crews were notified by a passerby.
Firies were on site just after 4.30am and used foam and water to douse the flames licking the top storey.
Crews were still hosing down what was left of the house three hours later.
The intensity of the fire cracked brick walls which then caved in.
Redland Bay Police senior constable Kim Ensinger said there was no vehicle at the site and once the fire was completely out, an investigation would be held.
Neighbours were rallying around the family, who rented the property.
The family, whose children range in age from two to 13, is believed to have lost most of their possessions.
