Community rallies round after devastating house fire

A family living in Ickford, had lost everything they own, after their thatched cottage was severely damaged by fire.

Fire crews were called to the property in Bulls Lane, Ickford, at around 9.25pm on Wednesday evening, May 10.

Following a appeal by Carley Russell on facebook which read: “We lost our home and entire contents to a fire last night; if anyone has any unwanted useful house hold items that could help us out it would be hugely appreciated,” over 100 people responded with offers of furniture, clothes and household appliances. Hudson Lister, Carley’s partner responded to all the offers of help with: ” Thanks for ALL your kind support and lovely comments.

“As you can imagine Carley and I have been super busy today trying to sort things out and trying to find somewhere to live. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you!”

The offers from the community have included clothes for the couple’s two young boys, aged 10 and 11.

Currently the family is hoping to secure rented accommodation in nearby Chearsley.

According to Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, one appliance and crew from Brill, one from Haddenham, one from Waddesdon, eight from Oxfordshire, the Incident Command Unit from Aylesbury and five officers attended. Firefighters used four main jets, two hose reels, four sets of breathing apparatus, a turntable ladder and a thermal imaging camera. The incident was scaled down during the night.