It is enough to make you cry.
Arrived home late yesterday after an 8km drive from town. Parked the car, took the shopping and other bits in and found the power off. Telephoned the power co. to find out that resumption of power was two hours away. Packed away the shopping and my wife lit the wood fire to warm the house as we'd been out all day. Sat down and shortly after there was a rumble. With a front passing through we thought it might be thunder. A few minutes later there was a bang! Stood up and walked towards the front door and immediately saw an orange glow through the window. Our new C5 station wagon was on fire. The front of the car, from the wheels forward was alight. While my wife went back to telephone the fire brigade I went and tried to retrieve what I could from the car.
Once off the phone Bev grabbed the camera and took a few pics. In that short time the fire had spread to the whole engine bay.
Within five minutes the fire was well advanced.
Then things got really hectic as I set to work towing the other cars out of the carport. Raced out to move the other C5 before going to the shed to get the tractor. Got to the first car and looped a rope to the tow ball and pulled it back. Removed rope and moved in to pull 'Eloyse' clear of the car port. Manouvered the tractor past the Dee and into the carport to try to save 'Vicky' the BVH DS but the front was already alight and it didn't have a tow ball to attach to.
Left tractor when fire unit arrived and by the time I got back it was super hot. The plastic on the seat cover melted into my jumper when I sat in the seat to reverse it our of the way. (today an inspection revealed the plastic front grill was damaged and the paint has peeled from the bonnet).
Eventually there were two fire trucks (one Denmark and one from Albany) as well as several light fast response units and three Bushfire units from around the district. Two heavy hoses, four lighter ones and foam were brought to play on the fire. By this stage the front section of the carport had collapsed and the fire was threatening to get under the roof and into the house. Enormous amount of heat generated and polycarbonate sheeting at opposite end of car port started to deform.
Eventually the fire under the car port that had consumed 'Vicky' was brought under control. Then the front verandah was the scene of attention as the timbers there had caught alight.
Once the fire was under control I went and grabbed my camera.
In the cold hard light of day!
When I called the dealer today I received an incredulous response. Told the car would need to be trucked to Perth (400+ kms) for inspection. Suggested it would be a waste of time and sent an image to support my opinion. Received an email make station that they agreed it would be pointless. Invited me to get my insurer to contact them if necessary.
How do I claim for a replacement vehicle under the les than six month old car with a six year warrantly?
