A community in Oake, near Taunton, Somerset, has come together to support two families devastated by a fire that swept through their homes in minutes. The blaze, which started late on Friday night, July 17, rapidly spread from a neighbour’s garden, forcing residents to evacuate quickly, including rescuing pets.
Fire crews from across Somerset and Devon responded promptly, working tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although two families lost nearly all their possessions.
Leah Willson, 23, whose mother and two sisters escaped from one of the affected homes, shared the family’s heartbreaking loss. Having lived in their house for 15 years, they now face rebuilding their lives with almost nothing left.
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“The fire started in a neighbour’s garden and quickly spread to our homes, forcing us to act fast to get ourselves and our pets out,” Leah said. “Thankfully, no one was hurt, but we’ve lost almost everything. Any support would mean a great deal to us.”
In response, Leah created an online GoFundMe page to help raise funds for her family’s recovery. The fundraising effort has received hundreds of pounds within hours, reflecting the strong support from the local community.
Nearby residents had to evacuate as well, and the village school’s headteacher generously opened the school hall to shelter those affected. Witnesses praised the fire crews for their relentless efforts amid dry conditions caused by recent hot weather.
Daniel Bishop-O’Connor, an eyewitness, commented, “The fire officers worked tirelessly to stop the spread despite the dry conditions. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Local resident Sharon Slade added, “Thankfully, everyone evacuated safely, and the fire service responded swiftly. Our community emergency response team also played a vital role. The community truly came together, and we send our heartfelt support to the families who lost their homes.”