Liz and Alan Hogan were left with only the clothes they were wearing after escaping a fire that destroyed their home in Sunderland. The couple grabbed their two dogs and ran outside after noticing the roof of the property next door had gone up in flames.
The fire broke out during the early hours of the morning, and by sheer luck, Liz and Alan were still awake and able to react quickly. They watched as the blaze ripped through their home, burning all of their possessions.
Fire and Investigation Details
Five fire engines rushed to the area to extinguish the flames. Police also attended and are investigating a report of a suspected cannabis farm at the house next door.
Liz told ChronicleLive: "The fire spread so quickly and the flames were coming out of our house. When we saw how fast it was spreading it was an unreal, surreal moment. Standing outside watching your house burn was horrific, absolutely horrific."
Liz has lived in the property on Tuscan Road, in the Thorney Close area of the city, for almost 30 years. The home was previously occupied by her parents, who have since passed away, and she has lost precious photographs and sentimental items belonging to them.
Personal Losses and Immediate Response
Liz, who works as a customer service advisor for Sunderland Council, said she was working a night shift from home when the fire broke out next door during the early hours of October 25. Alan, a keen photographer, was also still awake editing pictures.
She said: "Just after two o'clock, when the clocks had gone back, it sounded like there was a really loud drilling noise. I could smell smoke and fire. I said to Alan 'Something is going on next door'."
There was a hammering at the front door, and a neighbour from across the street said flames were coming out of the house next door. Liz rang the fire brigade, and the couple got the dogs out as the fire spread quickly.
Alan, who works as a refurbishment officer, lost all of his photography equipment. Liz said: "We don't go out partying, we don't drink and we don't go on excessive holidays. Alan's a photographer and he's worked really hard to get all his equipment. It's not just the amount it's cost it's the hours he's put in of overtime to afford the equipment. We're never going to get that back."
She added: "It's just really sad to think that after all the hours he's done there's nothing to show for it. He recovered from cancer about five years ago and he was into photography then but he gave it up while he recovered. That's why my heart goes out to him. I lost my mam and dad in the house. A lot of their memories have gone. There was photographs, my dad's things from when he was in the Army, his watch from work and my mam's ashes. It's just gone."
Support from Gentoo and Community
Gentoo, the housing association which owns the property, initially put Liz, Alan and their dogs Pip, 13, and Jimmy, seven, up in a hotel. They have now found them a new property.
Liz said: "Gentoo has been amazing. They're arranging for furniture and a washing machine has just arrived, so that has really, really helped. If we hadn't had that help I couldn't imagine where we would have been."
Liz said they had contents insurance, and the insurance company gave them an emergency payment because they didn't have any clothes to wear. She said: "That covered basics in terms of clothes. We're lucky to have the emergency payment to keep us going."
An online fundraising page has been set up to help raise funds for Liz and Alan. More than £2,300 has already been raised on the Go Fund Me page.
Liz said: "There isn't even words to thank people enough. From the bottom of our hearts thank you so much! Everybody, at the moment, is struggling so for them to donate is really heartwarming. It's made us both really emotional. It's not just the donations we've been given it's the kind words and the support. The kindness of people is unbelievable."
Official Statements and Ongoing Enquiries
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 3am on Sunday, October 25, we were made aware via Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at two properties on Tuscan Avenue in the Grindon area of Sunderland. It was reported that a suspected cannabis farm inside one of the addresses was on fire. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished a short time later. No-one is reported to have been injured in the incident."
The spokesperson added: "Enquiries into the report are ongoing and anyone with information should send us a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on our website. Alternatively, call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20261025-0135."
A spokesperson from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We can confirm that on Sunday 25th October, five appliances including an Aerial Ladder Platform, attended an incident involving a fire at a residential property in Sunderland. The emergency call was received by our Control Room team at 02:24, and crews from Farringdon, Rainton Bridge, Marley Park, Sunderland Central and Gateshead Community Fire Stations were dispatched to Tuscan Road, Sunderland."
Chris Roberts, Director of Customer at Gentoo, said: "Seeing customers lose their home and belongings in circumstances like this is heartbreaking. A home means so much more than the building itself, and we know how difficult this experience has been for Liz and Alan. Our priority is making sure Liz and Alan feel safe and supported following such a devastating experience. We're really pleased to have found them a new home and are helping with the things they need to begin settling in. We'll continue to be there for them as they start to rebuild and move forward."
