Last night the family home of Lismore locals Eli Roth and Jessyanne Shields was engulfed by flames, which resulted in the family fleeing, with their 3 dogs and son.

Eli has been a prominent figure in our community since the floods, often sharing with courage, his vulnerability and journey of waiting and rebuilding, with so much uncertainty for these past 8 months.

Eli had recently resettled into a safer home, away from the Wilson River bank on Ballina Road, with partner Jess and her 6yo autistic son Jensen with their 3 dogs and 2 cats, but has said "I'm in shock, have lost everything again. We are all OK, cats are still missing."

Jessyanne posted on social media late last night "There was a fire at home. Jensen, Eli and I are safe. Won't know more until tomorrow but the house is gone. We have the dogs but not sure if the cats made it out. Hug your loved ones tight. Your whole world can be turned upside down at any moment."

Jessyanne posted about her cats again this morning, clearly distressed about finding them with the following plea for assistance: My two cats are still missing after the house fire on Ballina Rd. If anyone around Ballina Rd/Nielson Street, Lismore could keep an eye out for them please: Joey is grey and has patches of light orange through her coat and Fish is a Tabby Cat. They will be scared, we're not even sure if they made it out or not."

Friends and the community have rallied around the family, Nin Lismore's Healing Hub Coordinator drove to support the family just after the event, and many others offering words of comfort on their social media pages, someone unknown to Jessyanne even buying Jensen a new security blanket toy to help.

This is the community spirit that keeps our hearts strong, and makes a world of difference for people in a crisis, something the Lismore community knows well.

The Lismore App is also supporting emergency items collection for drop off this week, and meals. If you would like to be a driver to collect donations, have the capacity to offer food or buy some specific items be in touch with Kate at: content@lismoreapp.com.au.

Rebecca Ryan from the Lismore HeART Space has created a Go Fund Me campaign asking for donations to rebuild their lives (again!) for the family here

More to come as this story unfolds.