A Burnham-On-Sea couple whose home was severely damaged in a fire last week have thanked the community for their support and offers of help.
Dave and Julie Isom, pictured, have had to move out of their Highbridge Road home over Christmas following the huge blaze last Thursday, which was caused by a faulty wi-fi router in an upstairs room.
Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to the whole upstairs of the property, as pictured below, and the couple have lost their clothes and many personal possessions.
But Dave and Julie, who are staying with their daughter, are keen to thank Burnham-On-Sea.com readers and nearby neighbours for their warm support.
“We have been bowled over by the kind offers of support and thank everybody who has come forward to offer us help,” said Dave.
“The fire severely damaged the front bedroom and gone through the ceiling into the roof area. Extensive smoke damage has been caused to the whole first floor.”
“It’s only because the door to the front bedroom was closed that the whole house was saved because it would have spread so quickly. Downstairs, the damage has been limited to smoke damage.”
He added: “Fortunately, no-one was hurt because we were out shopping at the time. We got home to hear a popping sound upstairs and lots of smoke.”
“It was a terrible shock, but once the fire brigade had been called our next concern was for Bea, our 8-year-old cat, who I could hear crying upstairs.”
“We thought we’d lost her. We were so relieved when she emerged out of the smoke after seveal minutes. While she was a lovely white colour before, she’s now a sooty grey despite several baths but we’re so pleased she’s been given the all-clear by the vets.”
“We are currently staying with our daughter over Christmas but are looking for short term rented accommodation for after Christmas.”
“We are insured so hopefully in the coming months we will be able to get the house back into a good condition and move back at some point.”
“The support, though, has just been tremendous with people on the Burnham-On-Sea.com forums offering us help and local neighbours knocking on our doors with help too.”
“It really has been touching. It is wonderful to know that we are surrounded by such a caring community.”
Pictured: Top, the couple outside their home; above, the fire-damaged bathroom inside the home and, below, the scenes elsewhere inside
The upstairs room where the fire started has been destroyed by the blaze
Clothes in cupboards have been ruined after being covered in soot
The scenes last Thursday when fire crews were called to the scene
