A family has launched a fundraising appeal after a devastating fire destroyed a bungalow in Shipton Bellinger, leaving one resident with nothing but the clothes she was wearing.
Firefighters were called to the blaze on Parkhouse Road at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, 14 July. Crews from Andover, Whitchurch, Eastleigh and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident, where a bungalow was well alight.
A number of people were treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital. Neighbouring properties were also affected by the fire as firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus and using hose reel jets, worked to bring the blaze under control.
In the aftermath of the fire, the local community has rallied around one of the residents whose home was completely destroyed.
Angela Williams has launched a GoFundMe appeal on behalf of her aunt, explaining that thanks to the quick actions of a neighbour, she and her beloved dog were safely rescued. However, she escaped with only the clothes she was wearing, losing all of her possessions in the fire.
The family said the local authority is currently providing temporary hotel accommodation while she begins the difficult process of rebuilding her life.
According to the fundraising page, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although the fire service believes it may have started in the back garden and could potentially have been caused by the sun. This has not been confirmed while enquiries continue.
The appeal also reveals that the homeowner did not have contents insurance, meaning she has no financial safety net to replace essential belongings.
In a message on the fundraiser, the family said: “Every donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and help towards this unimaginable loss.”
They also thanked everyone involved in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion, including the emergency services and the neighbour whose swift actions helped ensure everyone escaped safely.
The fundraiser aims to help replace everyday essentials, including clothing, toiletries and household items, while supporting the resident as she rebuilds her life.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal or find out more can do so via the family’s fundraising page: GoFundMe appeal.