A mother and her son have lost everything in a tragic house fire that ripped through their home in a quaint Somerset village. The incident, happening on Westfield Drive in Backwell, prompted an urgent response from emergency services on Tuesday morning.
Fortunately, Alison Tull, the disabled homeowner who has resided at the property since 1997, managed to escape the inferno. However, the house sustained extensive damage, particularly on the first floor where the fire is suspected to have originated.
The structural instability of the home has led to an investigation into the fire’s cause. Alison, aged 59, shared the house with her son George, 31, an off-duty chef who was away in Rutland when the fire erupted.
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Recalling the harrowing event, George, a Backwell native, recounted, “I received a distressing call on Tuesday, alerting me to the house fire. I rushed back immediately, only to find my mother covered in soot while neighbors were helping to clean her up. Upstairs, everything was razed to the ground. The roof, ceilings, and plaster are all gone. It’s all been reduced to rubble.”
“Given that I work away, most of my belongings were inside, now all gone. The same goes for my mother’s possessions. Presently, all I have are the two suitcases I normally take with me for work. However, the outcome could have been much worse if my mother hadn’t managed to escape. I am immensely grateful for the neighbors who promptly alerted the fire brigade.”
Alison, who requires assistance from carers due to enduring two strokes and a heart attack, suffered minor carbon monoxide exposure during the fire.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the local community has come together to support the affected family. Clare Cribb, a resident and friend, has initiated a fundraising campaign emphasizing Alison’s substantial contributions to the village over her 26-year tenure. Clare expressed, “It is unimaginable how devastating it must be to lose one’s home and possessions in such a manner. I believed setting up a crowdfunding initiative would offer an opportunity for the people of Backwell, friends, and well-wishers to extend their support.”
George is also distressed over the disappearance of his 12-year-old black and white cat, Eddie, who typically stays with his mother when he is away. George pleaded, “Eddie cannot meow and has limited mobility, but I hope he managed to flee. If anyone spots him, please get in touch.”
The fire’s impact has rendered the family next door homeless as well, necessitating their relocation to temporary housing.