Community rallies around family after “tragic” house fire

Tuesday 14 May 2019

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From the school that offered to wash a student's clothes, to the islanders who raised thousands... Jersey's community has rallied around a family who lost everything, including their beloved dog, in a "tragic" blaze.

The Keywood family have expressed their gratitude for the public support they’ve received in the wake of the fire that ravaged their Maufant home, and claimed their belongings and pet over the weekend.

After less than 24 hours, a JustGiving page to crowdfund money for the family managed to cross the £4,000 threshold – double its initial fundraising target.

At the time of writing, the total now stands at over £5,000.

The Fire Service said that four fire engines and 15 firefighters had to be called to deal with the blaze, alongside two further off-duty firefighters living in the area.

Express spoke to members of the family about the devastation caused by the fire, the loss of their dog Ollie, and what the community's support means to them… 

Whilst none of the human members of the family were in the house when the fire started on the morning of Saturday 11 May, the Keywoods’ much-loved French bulldog Ollie was alone at the property and unfortunately didn’t survive. 

Charlotte Keywood told Express that she and her mother Krin (both pictured above) were alerted to the fire by a neighbour and they were shocked when they returned home.

“When we arrived it didn’t really sink in and it still hasn’t yet, so we’ve got a lot of work ahead,” the 17-year-old said.

Pictured: The Keywood family dog Ollie who sadly didn't survive the fire.

When asked about her dog, Charlotte remembered Ollie fondly, describing him as “such a happy little dog.”

Continuing to reminisce about the cherished pet, she said: “He was a French bulldog which meant that he snored like crazy and ate anything that fell on the floor. He used to chase the cats around and annoy them until they were at their wits end, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way!”

The fire came in the middle of Charlotte’s AS exams at Hautlieu, but she said that her school “have been great” and that “they’ve offered to wash [her] clothes and dry them too."

She was similarly grateful for the generosity of islanders who have donated to her family's cause, adding: “We would all like to say a massive thank you to all those who have donated anything; on the crowdfunding pages, clothes, toiletries, offers of places to stay. You really have all been amazing and we appreciate it so much.” 

Pictured: Inside the Keywoods' family home which has been left "severely damaged" by the fire and smoke. (Jersey Fire & Rescue)

Charlotte’s older brother Matt, who has already left home and now lives in London, echoed his sister’s sentiment, adding his thanks to the the "brave" Fire and Rescue Service team in a Facebook post.

Speaking to Express, he said: “I’m just happy that Jersey’s sense of community spirit that I remember as a kid, has come back and aided my family whilst I can’t be there. 

“It’s quite amazing how many people have shown their love and support, even if it’s from something as simple as, ‘Hey, I’ve got some clothes you guys can have,’ or, ‘If there’s anything I can do, the door's always open,’ to offerings of beds to sleep in. To me, that’s truly remarkable and wholesome.” 

IN PICTURES: The devastation caused to the family home…