URGENT UPDATE: A family in Liverpool faces homelessness this Christmas after a devastating fire destroyed their home on December 11, 2023. Claire Sayonas, 39, her partner Jack Wood, 32, and their two daughters, Daisy, 16, and Jay, 18, will wake up in temporary accommodation instead of their family home.
The disaster struck when a tumble dryer caught fire around 6:15 PM while Claire was at home with Daisy. Hearing a “little pop” from the kitchen, Claire initially dismissed it, thinking it was nothing serious. However, she quickly discovered smoke billowing from the dryer.
“We were so confused when I saw smoke,” Claire recounted. “I opened the water drawer and smoke came gushing out.” She immediately called 999 and evacuated her family, including their pets, just before firefighters arrived five minutes later.
Firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service battled the blaze in the kitchen of the family’s two-storey terraced home on Sleepers Hill. As flames engulfed the property, neighboring families were also forced to evacuate. “The firefighters were absolutely amazing through it all,” Claire said, praising their quick response.
While Claire’s dog was safely handed out through a window, her two kittens were initially unaccounted for but were later found unharmed. Despite the rescue efforts, the family’s home was left uninhabitable, with smoke damage affecting nearly all their belongings.
Claire and her family were initially placed in a hotel by their social landlord, Your Housing Group, but have since moved to a serviced apartment for the holiday season. “We have lost so much, but we know these things can be replaced,” Claire expressed. “However, that house was a very safe space for us. It’s heartbreaking.”
The family, who were not insured, is now facing the emotional and financial toll of this unexpected disaster. Claire shared, “We never dreamed this would happen, and now we are struggling massively.”
As the community rallies around the family, a fundraising page has been established to support them during this difficult time. Claire emphasized the importance of community support, stating that neighbors, some of whom she had never spoken to before, brought clothing and assistance.
A spokesperson from Your Housing Group expressed their commitment to helping the family, stating, “We’re very sorry to hear about the fire at Claire’s home, especially at this time of year. Our priority has been to ensure Claire and her family are safe and supported.”
Officials from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines attended the incident, with firefighters completing home safety checks on adjacent properties to prevent further damage.
As the family prepares for an uncertain holiday season away from their home, they are determined to remain positive. “We are trying so hard, but it’s incredibly challenging,” Claire said.
The community’s response highlights the resilience and compassion that can emerge in times of crisis. For anyone wishing to assist the Sayonas family, the fundraising page can be found online.
Stay tuned for further updates on their journey towards recovery after this tragic event.
