Gwen Troutman of Cobar flew to Sydney with her 24-year-old son on Sunday after he was seriously injured when fire engulfed a Cobra Street house in the early hours of the morning.

The Dubbo CYMS reserve grade second rower yesterday remained in a critical but stable condition and was due to undergo surgery.

His 23-year-old brother Brandon was also injured in the fire but has since been released from Dubbo Base Hospital.

Mrs Troutman is quietly talking to Daniel and passing on messages of support from concerned family members, friends and mates from the CYMS football club.

"Although sedated he seems to be responding to what is said and that has to be a good sign,'' she said.

"Daniel was in the house with Brandon, Brandon's girlfriend and a male friend of both the boys.

"We believe Brandon and his girlfriend got out of the house first and raised the alarm with the assistance of someone who was passing by on Cobra Street.

"Understandably there was a lot of confusion and it appears Daniel went back into the house thinking the others were still inside.

While searching for them he was caught in a huge amount of smoke and flames and had to break through a back window to get out.

"When you look at the state of the house it is amazing any of them got out.

"Daniel was by far the worst affected and is being treated for extensive burns, lacerations and smoke inhalation.

from front page

"Brandon has cuts on his leg and also suffered smoke inhalation. Brandon and his girlfriend were treated at Dubbo Base Hospital before later being able to leave. Their mate was still in hospital when I flew to Sydney with Daniel.''

According to police, the man remains in hospital receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. His name, and that of the woman involved in the fire, have not been released by police.

Mrs Troutman has been fielding constant telephone inquiries about the fire and his injuries.

"Daniel is a popular young man and the only reason I am prepared to speak is that I know a lot of people are worried,'' she said.

"I also know a lot of things are being said about what happened and people keep adding bits to the story.

"It is important that people have the right information. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and police are still investigating. Daniel has lost everything he ever owned in the fire.''

Mrs Troutman said Daniel was educated in Dubbo and played junior football with St John's before moving to CYMS. He had a break for a couple of years to play at Dunedoo before returning to CYMS this year.

Daniel works in the boning room at Fletcher International where colleagues have rallied in support.

"We are a close-knit organisation and Daniel and the other young man injured in the fire have been long term employees,'' abattoir owner Roger Fletcher said.

"Obviously we are all worried and thinking about what we can do to help.''

CYMS reserve grade coach Brett Patterson has also expressed his concern about the bloke known by team-mates as 'Trouty'.

"Daniel is well liked and highly respected,'' Mr Patterson said.

"He's a quiet sort of a kid who is always ready to help others. CYMS is shocked and will definitely do all it can to help Daniel and his family.

"I'm sure other sporting clubs in Dubbo will also volunteer their assistance.''