As flames engulfed her family's home, Mary Kbaba was in the street pleading, "Help me! My daughter is in there!"
Her husband Justin had tried to get Miata to safety but was overcome by smoke. Mrs Kbaba, who had already helped three of their children out a window, braved the flames once more and went back to rescue their daughter.
The family of seven survived but Miata remains in a critical condition in the Children's Hospital at Westmead, suffering serious burns.
On Sunday, through tears, Mrs Kbaba spoke of her daughter's injuries and the terror of the fire that ravaged their home in Doonside the day before.
The couple and their five children, ranging in age from 13 years old to nine months, had been sleeping. Mr Kbaba said he woke on Saturday morning to the sound of Mary crying and saw "fire everywhere".
"There was smoke everywhere, you couldn't see. I didn't think any of us could survive."
They managed to get four of the children out of the house but Miata was trapped screaming inside.
Mr Kbaba said he fought his way through thick smoke, feeling his way to Miata. He dragged her towards the front of the house but was unable to breathe. Mrs Kbaba helped her out the flames and the couple has been by her side since.
"Every time I see her, I cry, because I don't want to see her in that condition," Mr Kbaba said. "What happened was terrible, but we are praying to God she'll recover. She's a strong girl and I believe God will protect her."
The family arrived in Australia from Liberia more than a decade ago. Mr Kbaba told reporters he will give up work to care for his critically ill daughter. "When I see her walk again, I will start laughing again," he said. "She's a very good kid, sweet. We love her very much. We just hope for the best."
Firefighters were called to the home on Hill End Road at 6.30am on Saturday. The home was extensively damaged in the blaze. The Kbabas said they did not know how it started and hoped police and fire investigators would determine the cause.
