TWO FAMILIES have been left without homes after a fire devastated their Cawston houses.
Fire engines were called when a car caught fire in the carport of one of the Oatland Drive houses at around 3.15pm on Friday (May 5). The blaze quickly spread up to the roof space, leaving both homes ‘very seriously damaged’.
Miraculously, one of the families’ cats was found alive and well hiding in a wardrobe in their charred home – three days after the fire.
A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews made a startling discovery when they heard a meowing in the bedroom.
“They were assisting home owners Steve and Shona to recover personal items.
“On further inspection the crews found the owners’ beloved cat, aptly named Cat, hiding in the wardrobe, where he has been for the last three days.
“The owners were clearly overjoyed to find him as they thought he had run off during the fire.
“Despite everything Cat appeared to be in good health and is none the worse for his ordeal. He is now back with his owners being suitably spoilt.”
Neighbour Manda Goodwin has started a campaign to raise £2,000 for the families – which has already reached nearly £1,000.
She said: “The fire left two families, one with a small child, devastated and with nothing left, so I am hoping that humanity and generosity will shine through.
“I am just a neighbour to the families who have been devastated by this horrific loss.
“I am humbled by the beautiful nature of so many people and I can’t wait to share the news and give them this money which has been so generously donated by so many.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Visit www.gofundme.com/oatland-drive-fire-5517 to donate.
