A Nottinghamshire neighbour has recalled the moment a family banged on her door for help in the middle of the night after their home caught fire. The family of four managed to escape their bungalow in The Crescent, Woodthorpe, when it went up in flames at around 3.30am on Monday, June 26.
Firefighters were called to the home after the blaze spread through the property from the kitchen. Charlotte and Ed Pullen, who live next door, called 999 after the family rushed out and knocked on their door.
"I heard noises and thought the house was being burgled," recalled Mrs Pullen, 48. "I peered out the window and realised they weren't being burgled at all.
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"[The mum] banged on my door really hard saying 'emergency, emergency'. It was pretty bad, the house is totally wiped out. It's devastated the property.
"The fire service were here pronto and there have been vehicles here all day. It's terrible, it was a catastrophic fire. It's so sad, I think they are in shock."
Fire crews from Arnold, Carlton, Stockhill, London Road, Mansfield and Edwinstowe all rushed to the scene. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the family managed to escape thanks to their smoke alarms.
The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen of the bungalow and spread. A family of four managed to escape the home uninjured due to their smoke alarms sounding.
The neighbours said many people living on the street came out to support the family as soon as they became aware of the fire. "All the neighbours came out, bringing blankets and drinks," said Ms Pullen.
"The support was fantastic." Another resident on the street, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We heard the alarm go off and we went round to give them blankets.
"There was definitely local spirit, everybody was mucking in and helping make sure they were OK. Everyone was out trying to help very quickly and will continue to do for them."
Jodie Merrington, a mum who lives in The Crescent, added: "I woke up at about 5am and saw three fire engines and went back to bed. I didn't see much apart from that.
"I just feel sorry for them, it's very sad. I don't think I would've known what to do in that situation. The fire investigation team have been here all day. I hope they're OK."
Area Manager Bryn Coleman said: “The scale and intensity of this fire has destroyed a family home. Thanks to working smoke alarms, all the family managed to escape the fire. We could have been looking at a much worse outcome if smoke alarms weren’t there.
“I want to remind everyone of the importance of testing their smoke alarm and having one on every level of their home.
“If you or someone you know isn’t able to consider the fire risk in your home, please arrange a free Safe and Well visit with us through our website”.
