05-07-2025
'We've lost everything': Family home devastated in house fire
A family house was devastated in a fire yesterday, Friday.
Emergency services were called to the Oldhams Estate in Astley Bridge yesterday just after 5pm to reports of the fire.
They said that the blaze started in a shed before spreading to a fence and nearby houses.
One house was badly damaged and the family inside, a woman and three children, had to be evacuated.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't know what else to tell you, we've lost everything.
"It started on the shed and they don't know what caused it."
Although no people were harmed in the fire - it is understood that a number of cats were killed.
The fire service said they are unable to confirm how many cats died - but they said that they are aware of two.
One cat was also rescued by fire crews.
Lee Bowden, 49, had most of his fence destroyed in the fire, which spread to the scaffolding on the outside of his house.
Luckily, it did not damage his property any further.
The fire spread from a shed to a fence and a nearby house (Image: Newsquest) He said: "All I heard was a big bang on my door, but I was asleep, and that bang woke me up.
"The neighbours were banging on my door trying to wake me up - and when I answered the door they're not there because they're running around frantic.
"I came back in and heard all this popping and banging and then a lot of bits came into my kitchen - smoke and stuff.
"When I walked out - all of this was ablaze.
"I had a gas canister and motorcycle in the back so that was my main concern.
"It was over here one minute, and the next it was over there - but I managed to drag them out of the way so they didn't explode."
A group of three children were asking for donations on the estate to help out the family.
They said: "We're just trying to help our friends out."
Stephanie Owen, 26, a neighbour also started a GoFundMe to help her friend to rebuild after the fire.
The family has had to leave the house where they've lived for 12 years (Image: Newsquest) She said: "I would like to support my neighbour - she's lived there for over 12 years and her children live there.
"It happened really quickly but firefighters got there within five minutes of the phone call.
"The fundraiser is just to get the children and her back on their feet.
"They're basically restarting their lives all over again, and in the cost-of-living times it's hard.
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"Thankfully all the family got out but she sadly lost animals."
As of the time of writing the GoFundMe has raised over £1,200 and has nearly reached its target of £1,600.
You can donate by clicking the link here.
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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Shortly after 5pm this afternoon (Friday 4th June), four fire engines from Bolton Central, Bolton North and Farnworth fire stations were called to reports of a fire involving a shed and fence which spread to adjoining domestic properties on Cheviot Close, Bolton.
"Firefighters arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.
"Crews were in attendance for around four hours."
