Village rallies behind homeless families after fire

All residents were evacuated after a fire tore through a row of thatched cottages in Bardwell on Saturday

Residents of a close-knit village have remarked on an "incredible show of support" for several families who were left homeless following a fire.

Sixteen fire crews were called to Low Street in Bardwell, Suffolk, after reports that a fire was ripping through a row of thatched cottages on Saturday at 16:43 BST.

Residents had initially attempted to tackle the blaze themselves before crews arrived and a stop was called at 23:47.

Bardwell Parish Council set up a fundraiser to support those involved, which had so far raised more than £13,000. Chairman, David Ruffles, said it was "phenomenal".

David Ruffles said the parish council had wanted to do something to help the affected residents before setting up the fundraiser

"It's blown us away, we never expected to get to this level of support," Ruffles said.

"I can't say as chair how proud I am of the residents of this village, and also very proud of the councillors and our clerk."

Ruffles said there had been a "raw" feeling left in the village and he had personally spoken with those affected.

"There's just a sense of this isn't right, it doesn't happen," he added.

"This is a tight-knit community and for this to happen to us is unbelievable.

"They [those affected] are very appreciative of the support. It's going to be ongoing, and we're going to do all that we can for them."

Some smoke could still be seen billowing out of one of the cottages two days after the fire

Ruth Suggett is a resident who lives opposite the cottages that went up in flames.

She initially believed someone was having a bonfire.

"We saw our valiant neighbours on ladders with garden hoses trying to put out what looked like a small fire," she explained.

"Although with a terrible sense of foreboding, we could see smoke moving along."

Residents of the cottages were being supported by other villagers

Ms Suggett said she was not surprised by the level of support already shown for those affected.

"It is the top kind of village for everyone pulling together and looking after each other," she added.

"I think that's really true, and the firefighters have commented on how well the community responded."

Graham Curtis Thomas said he could not believe what had happened in the village

Graham Curtis Thomas also lives opposite the affected cottages.

"I heard the noise, so I came out and there was a young couple opposite," he said.

"The fire seemed to start from the centre, and there were guys coming out with hoses. I came out with a ladder in a vain attempt to try and put it out.

"But unfortunately, it just started to come toward the cottage.

"I can't believe that this has happened."

Margaret Berrill who lives nearby was alerted to the fire by another neighbour

Resident Margaret Berrill was told of the fire when a neighbour knocked on her door to ask if she had a fire extinguisher, which she did not.

By the time she arrived at the fire, she saw the residents up the ladders with hoses as others attempted to move cars out of the way for the fire engines.

"It's just horrendous really, because the fire spread so quickly," she added.

Karen Witt said the community had been deeply shocked by the fire

Karen Witt, vice chair of the parish council, said "our hearts have gone out to everybody".

"It has been amazing how everyone in this village wants to help them," she said.

"I live just up the road and I thought someone was having a bonfire, then suddenly I realised I couldn't see because of the amount of smoke.

"When we came down, I think it's fair to say everybody was just in deep shock."

Witt said those affected were not only having to "rebuild their lives" but also their properties.

"They will never get back some of the things they've lost," she added.

"But at least by people helping them, they can feel we've collectively got an arm around them and we're helping them to feel a bit better."

Andrew Smith triggered the Bardwell Emergency Action Plan to help assist affected residents in the community hall

West Suffolk councillor and ward councillor for Bardwell, Andrew Smith, said when the fire broke out, he was helping to manage a burst water main at the other end of the village.

He feared it may affect the fire service's efforts and rang Anglian Water to ask for immediate help.

Fortunately, the issue did not affect crews as they made use of another water source.

He said he was pleased to see the community's support for those affected.

"The DNA in this village is just unbelievable," he explained.

"They turned out on the night and subsequently to help out these poor families."

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will investigate into the cause of Saturday's fire