Homeless worker loses everything in van fire — still turns up for shift
A homeless Ballina worker has lost everything after the motorhome he was living in was destroyed in a fire at the BP Travel Centre in West Ballina early this morning.
The force of the blaze was extreme, with flames and thick smoke visible to passing traffic on the M1.
The man, understood to be a cleaner at the site, had been living in the vehicle while working, highlighting the depth of the region’s housing crisis.
Community volunteer Mark Ross said he was contacted by the centre’s manager and rushed to help.
“He was sitting at the truck in tears,” Mr Ross said.
The man had been preparing a meal before the fire.
The fire and clouds of smoke were visible from the M1, slowing passing traffic
Mr Ross said it’s believed a cooking appliance — likely gas — was left on while the man went for a shower.
“Boom,” he said.
The fire quickly destroyed the vehicle, which had been serving as the man’s home.
By the time help arrived, the man had lost everything.
“All he’s got is the clothes he’s got on,” Mr Ross said.
Despite the ordeal, the man still planned to return to work later that day.
“God love him, he’s still going to work,” Mr Ross said.
In a social media post, Mr Ross said the situation had deeply affected him.
“I’ve helped thousands of people over the years and no one has ever nearly brought me to tears like Glen, who lost everything he owns this morning,” he wrote.
“He was living in a truck camper at the BP service centre in Ballina and also works there casually as a cleaner.
“All he has is the clothes he is wearing.”
The worker, described as an older man, had been living in the motorhome for some time while employed at the travel centre.
The incident has sparked a wave of community support, with locals already offering clothing and assistance.
Mr Ross said he is now trying to help coordinate further support, particularly urgent accommodation.
“I’m hoping someone might reach out and try and get him something,” he said.
He urged anyone willing to help — especially with accommodation — to come forward, and said he can help connect genuine offers of assistance.
How to help
Community volunteer Mark Ross is coordinating support for the man, particularly urgent accommodation.
Anyone able to assist can contact him directly on 0427 869 536.
