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Tributes flow for family dead in Vic fire

Ulises IzquierdoAAP
The family of a father and son killed in a holiday home fire in regional Victoria have paid tribute.
Camera IconThe family of a father and son killed in a holiday home fire in regional Victoria have paid tribute.

A father and son have been remembered after they lost their lives alongside another man in a fire that engulfed a holiday home in regional Victoria.

Tributes have flowed for heroic 33-year-old father Michael and his six-year-old son Louis, who were killed in a holiday home fire in Tyaak last Saturday.

They are survived by the family's mother Nicci and children Harvey and Rafael.

A Chuffed funding campaign has been started by their relatives and friends to support the recovery of "the most beautiful family who would help anyone in need."

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The campaign had raised $32,093 by Wednesday evening.

"Today's world is truly a better place for those who were fortunate enough to know Mike," the campaign statement says.

"He was devoted to his family and worshipped the ground they walked on."

The father of three will be remembered by his loved ones as a hero that died giving up his own life to save every person that night.

His son Louis was described as a cheeky, extremely smart, and talented boy who showed everyone what true love meant and enjoyed every second of his life.

While Nicci recovers from burns in hospital, Harvey and Rafael are fighting for life in ICU.

"Harvey is a little boy beyond his years, he engages in emotional conversations and is so protective of his Mum," the family friends' wrote.

"Little Raff is a real-life Dennis the menace! He explores beyond his years and has the most beautiful blue eyes, he is a mini Nicci."

Described as the most caring and happy person, Nicci's said to have a smile that lights up everyone's days.

"She is strong, even though she thinks she is not. Her world was, and still will be her boys."

Thirteen people had been staying at the holiday house about 100km north of Melbourne for the long weekend.

A 34-year-old man was the third victim. He died on Sunday after he was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Two other children were also recovering at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne on Monday.

Arson and Explosives Squad detectives are investigating the cause and will prepare a report for the coroner, but the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

The building was a "house built up with beautiful memories of family gatherings", the families said in a statement.

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