An 84-year-old woman, Paula Fenton, grabbed her pet dog and budgie before leaving her home in Willenhall, West Midlands, as it was gutted by fire. Her granddaughter, Jade Fenton, said Ms Fenton's bungalow was among several homes damaged when a fire spread through gardens in the street on Thursday.
Three bungalows in Stonehouse Avenue were severely damaged, with two, including Ms Fenton's home, losing their roofs completely. Ms Fenton's granddaughter stated that her nan lost nearly all her belongings, including hearing aids, jewellery, and a wedding ring.
The fires, including one in Stourbridge where 19 homes were destroyed, led to a government warning being sent to millions of phones on Friday. People were advised not to light anything that could spark a wildfire during the drought and heatwave conditions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the country as like "a tinderbox."
Ms Fenton was alerted by the smell of burning from her living room on Thursday afternoon. She fled to join neighbours who were also raising the alarm and using hoses to tackle flames while waiting for fire crews.