A CALL has gone out for the community to support the Brown family.

Firefighters tried valiantly to rescue Wilf Brown, 85, from the Gore St fire just before 2am Saturday but he lost his life and wife Leonore and daughter Jane have only been left with the clothes they were standing in.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shane Reid said while the family and community were grieving at the loss of Wilf, no one should overlook that his family had lost virtually everything.

"This community has appreciated the amount of involvement by Wilf and his family in sport and the community and it is important to get behind the family in their time of need," he said.

Businessman Bruce Shelley has joined the call to support the Brown family.

Mr Shelley operated a business beside the Brown family for many years and recalls waking them in 1976 when water started flowing across Albion St in what was a record flood.

"I can remember we carried Leonore to a rescue boat when she was pregnant with Jane," Mr Shelley said.

"At the time, one metre of water went through our businesses and the home where the Brown family then lived."

Mr Shelley said Wilf and Leonore did a lot for the community, including a long involvement with Lifeline.

"They are not a family that lived in luxury, they were just a happy family always thinking of others.

"Wilf called into our business a week ago to see how I was going as I have been sick. He had done that for years," he said.

"They put their fair share into the community and it is now time for the community to help Leonore and Jane."

Warwick Cricket Association president Michael Bourke said it was a great idea for the community to rally behind the Browns.

"Leonore and Jane supported all of Wilf's involvement in cricket, other sports and the community."

Warwick Credit Union CEO Lewis von Stieglitz has set up an account so the community can support the family.

"Wilf was such a great person and he and his family made a great contribution to the community.

"His family will really miss him and, hopefully, we can help with a bit extra in terms of money to cover many of the expenses that will come up."

Leave clothes, blankets and household items at the Daily News office, at 50 Albion St, or call 4660 1355 with offers of larger items.

Anyone can send money by funds transfer from their bank account or by making a deposit at any WCU branch.

BSB 817001 Acc No. 63268 (A/c especially to help Brown family).