A ‘stray firework’ has been confirmed as the cause of the devastating blaze that wrecked two properties on New Year’s Eve.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has now completed its investigation into the fire which damaged two homes in Hallgate, Holbeach.
Richard and Kathryn Ward were forced to make a terrifying escape with their young daughter Mollie from their home.
While the neighbouring property, owned by Jayden Nightingale who was away at the time, was subsequently destroyed when the fire reignited in later.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended the blaze at Hallgate, Holbeach. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
A spokesperson from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: “The cause of the initial fire has been confirmed as a stray firework.”
The Ward’s property, now reduced to burnt rubble, only has a back door and no other access into the house – so climbing out of the window was their only means of escape.
Speaking after the incident Karolyn said: “I pushed my daughter out of the window and grabbed her pet budgie.
A stray firework has been confirmed as the cause of the devastating blaze
“By then people were screaming and on their phones to the fire brigade.
“I had my phone in one hand and the budgie cage in the other but the flames were coming and I had to drop everything and get into the car.”
Sadly Mollie’s pet budgie died and the family have lost all their belongings.
Five fire crews attended the New Year blaze
Crews had been called to the property just after midnight on January 1 and five fire engines attended – the crews left the scene shortly before 3am (02.51am) and reattended the site at 06.06am.
The first crew to arrive was Long Sutton at 00.22 after crews were called out at 00.09 and this was followed by the Spalding crew five minutes later at 00.27.
There were no injuries to people and both properties were completely destroyed with damage to a third property.
The community has rallied round, setting up two crowd funders for the Ward family and Mr Nightingale which have reached a total of £8,650 and £4,630.
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-friend-jayden-who-lost-his-house-to-a-house-fire and https://www.gofundme.com/f/rnehd-my-brother-and-family?cdn-cache=0 for further information.
Lincolnshire Police have been contacted for comment.