The family of nine were out when the blaze destroyed their dream home about 1.12pm on Tuesday.

The blaze destroyed everything that Lauren and Paul Lockwood and their seven children owned, including their beloved guinea pigs, rabbit and parrot.

The Tasmania Fire Service determined the cause of the blaze as suspicious yesterday and has turned the matter over to police for investigation.

An estimated $250,000 in damage was caused.

The family's four cats had returned yesterday.

Mr Lockwood's auntie Elizabeth Lockwood said  clothes, toys, furniture and even money had been donated to the family.

Mr Lockwood said: ``People have been brilliant.

``We can't thank the community enough . . . I'm a bit speechless.''

The Lilydale Lions Club also gave a substantial donation.

Mrs Lockwood said the main thing the family was still in need of was bunk beds for the seven children.

The children and parents have had to split between three houses to have a roof over their heads  while everything is sorted out.

Police were investigating the cause of the fire yesterday.

 Watkins Removals is accepting donations for the family, and anyone donating should ask for Kaye Porter.