A STANTHORPE couple have nothing but two sets of clothes and some toiletries after their house burnt down on Boxing Day while they were up north visiting family.

Cath Wheeler and her partner Leanne Adams had only just moved to an idyllic 16-hectare lifestyle property in the bush at Fleurbaix north of Stanthorpe from town six weeks ago, wanting more room for their menagerie of pets and animals.

Disaster struck before dawn on Boxing Day when lightning hit a nearby power pole on Pozieres Road and travelled to the fuse box on the block's fibro cottage, quickly turning it into a ball of flames which fire crews had no hope of stopping.

Ms Wheeler and Ms Adams lost all their possessions - including Christmas presents - along with two of their four beloved felines.

One cat survived and one is still missing, with their collection of chickens, ducks and goats all accounted for, along with two dogs which were staying with close friend Carol Rix, who has set up an appeal for her friends.

To make matters worse, Ms Wheeler's vehicle broke down on their way to Rockhampton on Christmas Eve.

"The radiator burst near Monto and we had to get the car towed to Biloela," she told the Daily News yesterday.

"We had planned to drive back on Boxing Day but we wouldn't have been back early enough before the fire.

"We were renting and we didn't have insurance but it probably wouldn't have paid out, with an act of God."

The couple will stay with family in Stanthorpe for now.

The loss of their home follows a house fire in Warwick last week in which Wallace St resident Peter Ardrey likewise lost everything.

Financial donations for Ms Wheeler and Ms Adams can be made at Heritage Bank, BSB 638 010, account # 1295 8190, Carol Rix as trustee.

Anyone wishing to donate household items or clothing please call Carol on 0407 181 247.