The tight-knit Russell Island community is in mourning after a father and his five young boys were killed in a devastating blaze on Sunday.
Police have spent several days combing the scene as investigations continue to determine what caused the fire.
Wayne Godinet, 34, and his five sons – all aged under 12 – died in the blaze.
Emergency services were called to Todman St just after 6am on Sunday to find a two-storey house fully engulfed, with two neighbouring properties also alight.
The children’s mother, identified as Samantha Stephenson, 28, managed to escape the inferno along with a 21-year-old woman, according to police.
Police Superintendent Mat Kelly described the scene as “distressing”.
“[It] is truly tragic as these young boys could have become men into the future,” he said.
Paramedics treated nine people at the scene and three were taken to hospital on the mainland, including Ms Stephenson.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters on Monday that an investigation centre had been set up at the Cleveland Police Station.
He said some elements of the blaze required “closer scrutiny” and police were yet to determine whether or not the fire was suspicious.
“We are keeping an open mind with respect to this matter,” Detective Superintendent Massingham said.
No determination has been made but there are some aspects of it that require further investigation.
Detective Superintendent Massingham confirmed the 34-year-old man was known to police.
“Police have been to the residence in the past, but the nature and frequency of our attendance there is subject to an internal review and will be part of the investigation,” Detective Superintendent Massingham said.
The tragedy has united a small community which gathered at local shops and in neighbourhoods on Sunday to share their collective grief.
Russell Island Chamber of Commerce president Shane Rendalls said although the community had rallied, there was nothing that could make up for the loss of a family.
“It is difficult when trauma and loss is concentrated on one family,” he said.
“Any parent cannot begin to think how horrible it must be.”
Mr Rendalls said support was being provided for the families affected but also for the first responders who were all island residents.
Southern Moreton Island Listeners had also started a crowd funding process with local businesses, and blankets, food and accommodation were being provided for neighbours whose houses were affected.
“There are ripples and ripples and ripples. There are the neighbours, the community and the school, a sad place this week,” he said.
The children were involved in local school and sport activities.
Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City Council had activated the human social elements recovery group which includes Red Cross, Department of Community Services and Department of Housing to deliver what was required.
She said she was working with disaster chaplains to provide support and the Redland Foundation was hosting a fundraising appeal.
“This is an incredibly heart-wrenching incident that has involved such young children and, understandably, the Russell Island community will need all our support to get through the difficult days ahead,” Cr Williams said.
As a city we will come together to comfort, support and care for anyone impacted by this event.
“Russell Island is a tight-knit community and we know this will have deep and lasting ramifications.”
Macleay Island resident Vicky Macdonald said the event had affected residents throughout the island group.
“It is as profound as it can be for a small community,” she said.
Russell Island State School principal Leanne McMahon wrote in a letter to parents that counselling was available.
“I want to reassure you that we treat the safety and welfare of your children, our students, as our highest priority at all times,” she said.
“As a community we will rally together and support each other through this challenging period.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and others shared sympathies for those involved in the tragedy.
“My thoughts are with the whole Russell Island community at this very sad and tragic time,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
The premier visited the island on Tuesday where she joined a convoy of the state’s high-ranking emergency services to meet the firefighters, volunteers and neighbours who were first responders at the scene.
“Our hearts break. These are innocent lives that are lost. These young children that won’t have a future … it’s heartbreaking.” she said.
Tributes were laid from Monday at Sel Outridge Park at Redland Bay and the Bay Island Memorial gardens at Russell Island.
No further police updates were available at the time of going to print on Tuesday afternoon.
Linda Muller, Jordan Crick, AAP
