Neighbours forced out of homes by fire grateful for community support

NEIGHBOURS evacuated following a devastating fire in Bideford have been reuniting at a local food bank as they come to terms with the horror that’s unfolded in their community.

- BY ABIGAIL NEEP

Katy Gover (left) was moved from her home following the house fire in Bideford. Sharon Lacy is a staff member at the East the Water Food Pantry

(Abigail Neep)

A raging fire in a terraced house in Honestone Street has left one person unaccounted for and locals fearing the worst.

Nearby residents who were evacuated from their homes when the fire broke out last Tuesday night still aren't sure when they might be able to return as the police investigation continues.

The East The Water Community Food Pantry has been supplying families with food packages, clothing and a safe space to chat. Some of those affected spoke to the Journal’s sister website DevonLive.

Lydia Bennett, 29, who was evacuated with her little boy and cat, says her son is suffering from night terrors after the incident.

“At first I didn’t realise what was going on, I didn’t hear the sirens, I only heard water jets and wondered why someone was washing their car,’ she said.

“It wasn’t until my sister called me that I realised there was a fire, we were evacuated about an hour later as we live in the flats across the road. The police didn’t realise my building was a flat and thought no one was home when they knocked on the door.