A disabled pensioner and her dog have been left homeless after a fire destroyed her bungalow in Willenhall, Walsall. Paula Fenton, 84, who suffers from fibrosis and breathing problems, lost all of her possessions in the blaze on Stonehouse Avenue on Thursday, August 13.
Her granddaughter, Jade, 32, said someone 'dragged' Paula out of her home minutes before the bungalow was destroyed. Paula was left in her pyjamas and slippers, and has been forced to sofa surf while she tries to find alternative accommodation.
Blaze spread from nearby fences
Jade said the fire started "down the road" before it reached a row of fences connecting the bungalows. The flames then spread to her grandmother's tree and property. Paula's whole house ended up alight alongside her neighbour's property, resulting in both bungalows being wrecked. A third property was also severely damaged.
The fundraising page, set up by Claire Darby, a community activist who runs a foodbank, reads: "She didn't think the smell of fire was too serious until someone came and dragged her out her house and thank god they did. Minutes later it blew. The bungalow couldn't be saved, resulting in her leaving in PJs and slippers and all personal belongings gone forever."
Dog's insulin lost in the blaze
Insulin for Paula's dog was also lost in the fire, resulting in the grandmother having to spend hundreds of pounds to purchase more. This has left her even more financially strained, as Paula also lost cash that was in the house.
The fundraising page continues: "She doesn't need thousands (of pounds) but a few hundred to cover her over the next few weeks while she's sofa surfing would go along way. She's heartbroken and doesn't deserve this."
Council response and fundraising total
At least £745 has been raised on the gofundme page at the time of writing. Jade also claimed that Walsall Council hasn't helped her grandmother with finding alternative accommodation.
In response, a Walsall Council spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent fires in the region, particularly those who have lost their homes and possessions. Incidents of this nature can be extremely distressing for those involved, their families and the wider community. We cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy and safeguarding reasons."
The spokesperson added: "Anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can contact the council for advice and support. We can help with accessing housing, keeping a tenancy and claiming benefits people are entitled to. People who need support can contact the council by emailing RooflessReferral@walsall.gov.uk or calling 01922 65225."
West Midlands Fire Service has been approached for comment. The fundraiser remains active to help Paula cover her immediate costs while she continues sofa surfing.
