Community rallies to help Newark family after house blaze
A family left homeless after fire severely damaged their home say the response from the public has reaffirmed their faith in humanity.
Amy Orton went into the kitchen to stir the family’s dinner on Monday and while she was away a candle caused a curtain in the living room to catch light.
The fire instantly spread to the sofa and the blaze spread rapidly, causing substantial fire and smoke damage.
Amy scooped up six-month-old son Loki, banged on a neighbour’s door and handed him to them before returning to usher their dogs to safety in the back garden.
Three fire crews — two from Newark and one from Collingham — attended the blaze on Newnham Road, Newark.
HGV tyre fitter Daniel Orton was returning home to his family when he heard about the fire.
“My partner could see the orange glow through the doorway to the living room,” Daniel said.
“The smoke was thick and acrid because it was an old sofa. It just spread rapidly.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. You don’t think it’s going to happen to you.”
The extent of the damage left the Orton family homeless.
However, social media users rallied with offers of help after news of their plight was posted.
A Facebook appeal led to several pledges, such as a bed, while one woman said the family should go to Next and buy £50 of baby clothes that she would pay for.
Hundreds of pounds have also been promised to help them get back on their feet.
“Everybody has been fantastic,” said Daniel: “It reaffirms your faith in humanity.
“My phone was going beserk on Tuesday. People were literally ringing second after second. I’m not an emotional person, but even I had a bit of breakdown because it was all so overwhelming.
“We can’t thank people enough. We only need enough to give us that first leg up again so we will do the same as people have done for us and if there’s more donated than we need then we will pass it on to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to us.”
The family of four — they also have a 15-year-old daughter Kadye — need somewhere to live and are asking private landlords if they can put them up for a few nights while they address their future long-term.
They are in a hotel, paid for by their landlords, but that was due to run out yesterday.
To help, go to rb.gy/k0v0cd or search Daniel Orton on Facebook.