A huge fire has engulfed a semi-detached house in Leigh, Wigan, with the blaze completely taking hold of the property within minutes. A dad and his two daughters were rescued
A father and his two daughters who were ‘screaming for help’ after flames erupted in their home were swiftly saved by a heroic neighbour just moments before the property was completely consumed by fire.
Emergency crews rushed to the inferno on Laxey Crescent in Leigh, Wigan, around 6am on Thursday (December 18) after receiving reports of a house blaze. Shocking images revealed massive flames shooting from windows and dense clouds of smoke spiralling into the sky.
The family ‘lost everything they own in a matter of moments’ during the devastating fire, which locals say began at the rear of the property before rapidly advancing and engulfing the semi-detached dwelling. Smoke swiftly choked the residential street as alarmed neighbours dashed to assist.
Jody Shovelton, who has since launched an online fundraising appeal to support the family whose ‘lives were turned upside down’, described the terrifying moment she was roused by ‘screaming’ before events rapidly escalated.
Within hours, she had collected bags of gifts and donated clothing, with over £1,000 raised to help the family-of-four reconstruct their lives, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“I heard lots of shouting at 6am, and at three minutes past I took a picture out of my landing window. The fire had ripped from the back to the front,” she explained. “It was just huge flames that had completely taken over.
“It all happened so quick. Within a minute the neighbour across the road had run over with a ladder to save them. It was unbelievable. He got one girl out first, the other jumped and was caught by a neighbour, and then he got the dad out.
“The mum had already gone to work and knew nothing about it. Most of us were out in the street. What woke us up were the screams from the bedroom window.
“It was horrific; the way it went through the house that quickly. It spread so fast.”
The fire brigade turned up within minutes, but by the time they arrived, the three occupants – two teenage girls and an adult male – had already been rescued. Firefighters stayed on site for eight hours battling the blaze and securing the area.
Heartbreaking images of the aftermath reveal the extent of the damage to the semi-detached family home, which was ravaged by the fire, leaving behind charred walls, shattered windows and melted window frames. Jody shared that the family lost most of their possessions and is now fundraising to support them just days before Christmas.
She added: “They moved in about three years ago. And when I say they are the perfect neighbours, that is an understatement. They have looked after me and my little girl, and if it was me I know they’d do the same.”
The fundraiser, which has since received nearly £2,000 in donations, read: “Our hearts are broken for our next-door neighbours, who recently suffered a devastating house fire. In a matter of moments, they lost their home and everything they own.
“Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but their lives have been completely turned upside down. They are truly some of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet – the type who would drop everything to help anyone in need without hesitation.
“Now, they’re the ones who need help. This fundraiser is to support them as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives – replacing everyday essentials, clothing, furniture, school items for the kids, and all the things we often take for granted. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference.
“If you’re unable to give, sharing this page would mean the world. Let’s come together and show them the same kindness and generosity they’ve always shown others. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.”
A representative for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported: “At shortly after 6am on Thursday (December 18) three fire engines from Hindley, Atherton and Leigh fire stations plus an aerial ladder platform from Bolton Central and the enhanced rescue unit from Leigh fire station were called to a fire in a semi-detached property on Laxey Crescent, Leigh.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels and the short extension ladder to extinguish the fire. Crews were in attendance for around eight hours.”