Nineteen families in Stourbridge, West Midlands, lost their homes in August after two accidental fires spread through dry grass and into their estate. Sandy and Uttam Shiralkar, who had lived in their house for 19 years, were among those affected, losing all their possessions, including treasured family photographs.
Uttam Shiralkar recalled smelling smoke on 13 August while working from home, initially thinking it was a barbecue. He was soon forced to evacuate with only the clothes he was wearing and his car keys. Four days later, the couple returned to see the extent of the damage, with Sandy Shiralkar stating she had hoped there would be more remains.
The couple has been told it could take up to two years for their house to be rebuilt. Despite initial thoughts of moving elsewhere, they now intend to rebuild. For the past month, Sandy and Uttam have been living out of their car boot, staying with friends and then in a local hotel, and are due to move into a temporary home this weekend.