This story contains references to alleged domestic violence.
A community has gathered to mourn three children killed in a house fire after their father faced court.
Mourners attended a vigil, some carrying flowers with them, at Lalor Park in western Sydney on Thursday evening.
"It is important to come together, not to find answers, but for support," community support group Carevan Blacktown said in a flyer for the event.
It comes after the children's father was charged with three counts of domestic violence-related murder and five counts of attempted murder over the fire.
The 28-year-old did not appear during his first court date on Thursday when he was expected to face a bedside hearing after being left in a coma following the blaze at his Lalor Park home.
Three of his children, aged six years, two years and five months, . Three other children were taken to hospital.
The man allegedly locked the doors to his house before using petrol to accelerate a mammoth blaze, preventing officers and neighbours from freeing the victims.
Homicide Squad commander Daniel Doherty said rescuers had to wrestle children from the man's grasp once they forced their way into the property.
Tributes have been laid at the site of the house fire. Source: AAP / Thomas Parrish
He did not appear when his matter was heard in Parramatta Local Court and his lawyer made no application for bail, instead asking for an eight-week adjournment.
Magistrate Joy Bolous heard the man had no criminal record and had only previously appeared before the court on tax-related matters.
The attempted murder charges relate to four other children — aged between four and 11 — and the man's 29-year-old partner, all of whom survived.
The man is also accused of destroying or damaging property with the intent of endangering life.
He is due to appear in Penrith Local Court on September 6.
Investigators put the survival of the four remaining children and their mother down to the heroic efforts of neighbours and responders, some of whom suffered minor injuries.
One neighbour, Jarrod Hawkins, said he smashed down the front door and worked to rescue several children, who he could hear coughing and yelling from inside the house.
An online fundraiser started by Hawkins for the surviving family members had raised more than $27,000 by Thursday morning.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at and
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
