Family and neighbours 'lose homes' after fire spreads

A family and their neighbours "lost their homes" after a garden fire spread across properties, a homeowner says.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to a property on Vale View in Nuneaton at 18:00 BST on Tuesday.

Jenny Beasley owns the property where the fire started and said she had been burning rubbish in a "garden burner bin" when the wind blew towards the house.

She added that the fire spread "within seconds", and her family, who were inside at the time, "just had to get out as quick as we could".

"We didn't even have shoes on our feet; we've got nothing, but we're OK, and that's the main thing.

"It's not just me who has lost our house; our neighbours have lost their house, and the other two houses are damaged," said Ms Beasley, who added that she did not have home insurance.

Seven fire engines attended, with firefighters remaining at the scene until the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The service said there were no reported casualties; however, a number of people had been treated for smoke inhalation.

Three patients were assessed before being discharged at the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

The damage involved the roofs of two houses within a block of four terraced properties, the fire service said.

Stockingford Community Centre in Nuneaton has opened its doors for affected residents and appealed for food, bedding and clothing.

Rosaviyah Razaq, who is the centre's coordinator, said she started the appeal after the community asked her what they could do to help.

"Donations haven't stopped since," Ms Razaq said.

The centre's vice chair, Helen Crutchley, added that the centre was "vital" to the community.

"We were able to be here as a central point for people to drop off any donations, but we were also able to provide the fire service with things they needed, like access to food and toilets, because they were here for hours.

"Without the centre, none of that would be happening," Ms Crutchley added.

Ben Brook, the service's chief fire officer, said: "We extend our sincere gratitude to the Stockingford Community Centre and the wider Nuneaton community for their incredible kindness and support.

"Their collective efforts demonstrate just how valuable community spirit is," he added.

Ms Beasley said she "can't thank the community enough" for the help they have given her.

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