Cape Keraudren: Joanna Pascoe reveals devastation after fire engulfs family bus at Pilbara camp site

A family of seven whose bus was engulfed by flames at a popular Pilbara camp site have thanked those who tried to help fight the blaze. The horrific incident happened about 5.30pm yesterday as the sun set over Cape Keraudren, about 150km north-east of Port Hedland. No one was injured in the fire which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault under one of the beds in the bus. Witnesses reported hearing “pops” and “explosions” as the bus was gutted by flames, pictured. In a post to their travel social media page The Pascoe Clan — Road Trippin, Joanna Pascoe said she was devastated to see the bus destroyed. “Thank you all so much, right now I can’t even cry anymore, I’m numb, I’m exhausted,” she said. “Every time I close my eyes all I see is our home on fire. “We weren’t alone, we had many other families trying to help save our home but unfortunately it was too late by the time we (had) all seen it.” The family had been travelling around Australia in the bus for the past two years, after a DIY renovation which Ms Pascoe said was done using “mostly Bunnings”. “Our youngest child was born with Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the skull,” she said on a social media post. “Eight days after his first birthday he underwent a full skull reconstruction, seeing him like this we realised how short life is and how easy anything can be thrown your way, no matter what you do. “This is when we started talking and planning on selling up to travel around Australia with our five children.” Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton said he was pleased the family were unharmed. “The Shire’s Cape Keraudren ranger acted quickly to fight the fire with the on-site firefighting equipment until Port Hedland emergency services attended the scene,” he said. “The ranger assisted the family in finding alternative accommodation for the night and we wish them well.” A witness to the blaze said the shire’s ranger lent his van to the family for the night and other campers offered them food. Despite the harrowing experience, Ms Pascoe said it wouldn’t stop their travelling lifestyle. “This is no way the end of our travels, just a major speed bump,” she said. “For now the main thing is, we are all safe and together, even though we’ve lost our home, we still have our family.” The Pascoes were on their way north, having last stayed at Bullara Station near Exmouth.