A FAMILY say they have been left ‘reeling’ after their home was destroyed after a tumble dryer caught fire.
On Monday night, Deborah Barnes was sat with her husband watching tv at their house on Valley Road in Hounsdown when they realised their tumble dryer in the kitchen was alight.
Having tried to put the fire out themselves with buckets of water, the couple then called 999 and went to get their two young children out.
Fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze but not before the conservatory, lounge and a bedroom was completely destroyed.
A large hole was left in the roof, there is smoke damage in every room and now the family have been forced to leave for up to six months whilst the home is rebuilt.
Deborah told the Echo that they had followed all the cleaning instructions for the dryer and emptied the tray every time.
“I think the biggest shock was how quickly it all went up. We are currently going through the front rooms to see what we can rescue but most of it is too damaged.
“Everyone’s still reeling a bit and not sure what’s happening but managing to get the kids back to normal routines is helping. The youngest lost everything so was very upset.”
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Firefighters from Redbridge, Totton, St Mary’s and Eastleigh were called to a conservatory fire in a mid-terrace house in Valley Road, Totton.
“Crews used two hose reel jets, eight breathing apparatus and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire. The cause is believed to have been a tumble dryer.
“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service successfully prevented the fire from spreading, however there was minimal smoke and fire damage to the exterior of the neighbouring properties.”
The family are now living with Deborah’s parents whilst the house is rebuilt but say they have lost around £10,000 worth of items as although the home was insured, the contents were not.
The couple have been living in the home almost six years with their two children who are five and 13.
Now though, a GoFundMe page has been set up by Deborah’s sister to help cover the cost of some of the lost items.
Having been started on Tuesday it has managed to raise just over £500 so far.
Deborah added: “Everyone has been so supportive during this time and we are so grateful for it.”
The GoFundMe page for the family can be found here.
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