Claire Taylor, 40, lost everything but her grandfather’s ashes, some photos and clothes when Wennington went up in flames on Tuesday. Almost 20 properties were completely destroyed as the inferno raged in an “apocalyptic” scene. Her family was one of about 90 evacuated, and while residents scrambled to save pets and belongings, some were forced to leave largely empty-handed. Image: Claire Taylor said residents who lost their homes were still in shock but were ‘trying to mix it up’ With her home in ruins, she told Sky News: “It’s devastating. We lost my grandad and grandad a few years ago. We had things left behind. “Things they bought the boys we’ve had for years. We had teddy bears that the kids had since they were born that they were really attached to and toys that they were really attached to. “It’s just horrible. It’s all your everyday stuff. It’s all your papers. It’s all your passports. Your life is gone in an instant. And that’s what everybody goes through.” “Nobody thinks it’s going to happen to them until it does.” Mrs Taylor said she was at work when she got a call on the hottest day on record from her husband, who was at home with her father-in-law. He told her that their friend’s house nearby was under fire, and then so was theirs. Read more: The most stunning pictures of the UK heatwave – from melting lights to fires and twisted roads Image: A number of properties were completely destroyed. Photos: Sadiya Chowdhury “Apocalyptic” scene She drove to the village just a few miles away, but was unable to reach her home as the police moved people away. Ms Taylor said she saw a massive black cloud over the road and fields, calling the scene “apocalyptic”. She said her husband, father-in-law and neighbors and friends were fine, but they had to leave. Mrs Taylor, who works in a charity shop, said residents who lost their homes were still in shock but were “trying to cope”. Although the devastation is still “raw”, her focus has turned to collecting donations and helping children and adults affected by the fire. He told Sky News: “My job is more important to try to help other people. I can look at the house afterwards. At the moment, we have to focus on everyone caught up in this situation – both Wennington and Dagenham – and Get them as much help as possible. This is the start of the school summer holidays.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:46 How did the Wennington fire spread? “We can rebuild” Ms Taylor said some children no longer had toys and bikes to keep them busy at recess. “If I can get enough information out there that we can get some games to try and make it a little bit easier for kids, it’ll make it a little bit easier knowing that you’ve done it for other people.” Donations can be made at the KidEco store at Lakeside Shopping Center in Grace or at the Baby Bank headquarters. Image: Claire Taylor and her family Her family – including sons Charlie, Alfie and Louis, aged eight, six and one respectively – stayed with loved ones on Tuesday afternoon before heading to school on Wednesday for the last day of term. The boys now live with their grandparents. He said: “We can rebuild, carry on, that’s all you can do. Keep going and come back stronger.”
