Barnsley fire recap as several houses up in flames and street evacuated in 40C heatwave

Barnsley fire recap as several houses up in flames and street evacuated in 40C heatwave

Footage from the scene showed one house engulfed in flame

A devastating fire broke out on Woodland Drive in Barnsley during an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 38°C. The blaze resulted in the destruction of five homes and led to the evacuation of residents.

 

The fire ignited around 4 p.m., rapidly consuming multiple houses. Emergency services, including South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, were promptly dispatched. However, due to the high demand from other simultaneous incidents across the region, it reportedly took up to 40 minutes for fire crews to arrive at Woodland Drive.

 

Residents expressed their shock and heartbreak over the incident. John Turner, a 65-year-old local, remarked, “Everybody is in shock. It is a disaster on your own doorstep.” Another resident recounted the urgency of evacuating her elderly mother amidst the encroaching smoke and flames.

 

In the aftermath, the community rallied to support those affected. A fundraising appeal was launched, amassing over £17,550 within 24 hours to assist the displaced families. Additionally, residents organized collections of clothes and groceries to provide immediate relief.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This tragic event underscores the heightened risks associated with extreme heat conditions and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.

 

For a visual perspective on the incident, you can view drone footage captured at the scene:

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