A grieving grandmother “now faces the weight of organising two funerals” after a deadly blaze ripped through her family’s home, claiming the lives of her daughter and young granddaughter. 

Emergency services were called to the Christchurch home about 8.25pm on Thursday. A 3-year-old girl died at the scene. 

Two adults and four children – all siblings of the girl and aged between 10 weeks and 5 years old – were injured and taken to hospital. Police confirmed yesterday their 23-year-old mother had succumbed to critical injuries. 

Yesterday, a 2-year-old girl, remained in hospital in a stable condition. 

“Police’s thoughts are with her family, and we will continue to provide them with support,” Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolen said. 

A relative shed light on the fire’s devastating impact in a Givealittle appeal, aiming to support the grandmother as she faced the daunting task of planning her own child’s funeral and trying to rebuild her life. 

“Shiree is the rock of our family, always putting others first,” they wrote. 

“Even in this fog of grief, she is caring for two of her remaining grandchildren who have lost their mother. 

“However, the path ahead is daunting. Shiree is on a pension, and both the house and its contents were uninsured. 

“She has walked away with nothing but the clothes on her back.” 

The relative said the material loss was nothing compared to “the heartbreaking passing of two precious lives”. 

“Beyond rebuilding from scratch, she now faces the weight of organising two funerals. 

“On a fixed income, Shiree simply does not have the resources to cover these sudden, massive costs.” 

Funds raised through the Givealittle appeal would be directly used to cover funeral and headstone costs, essential items for the four children now in her care and to help secure a new home, the relative said. 

They requested that donated items be handed to the Christchurch Methodist Mission, which was organising contributions for the family. 

“Shiree is usually the one helping others; now, it’s our turn to wrap around her. 

Police at the scene on Whitehall St, Mairehau yesterday. Photo / Hannah Feck 

“Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support.” 

A friend told the Herald the young whānau “were the most caring, kindhearted” they knew and were always there for other people when needed. 

One neighbour said they often heard young children playing in the backyard and believed the family had lived at the property for several years. 

Just hours after the fatal blaze the family thanked the local community for its “love and respect” as they processed the tragedy, with a friend sharing a message for the local community on their behalf. 

“While we have our hands full, we are so very grateful for everything,” they said. 

“We ask that people continue showing love and respect the way they have been this has been a devastating loss to our whānau. 

“We will reach out to those organising when we can.” 

Whitehall St remained cordoned off for much of yesterday amid a scene examination, with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers seen behind the cordon. 

While the cause of the fire was yet to be determined, police said it was not believed to be suspicious.