Wembley home destroyed in fire, family suspects firework
A family of six escaped their burning house in Wembley on November 1, with the cause of the blaze under investigation.
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A family has lost their home of 17 years in Wembley after a fire broke out on November 1. The blaze required the attendance of around 40 firefighters and six fire engines, according to the London Fire Brigade. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents Zoya Sheikh, 25, and her sister Sabiha Sheikh, 26, were inside the property with their parents and brother when the fire began. Zoya Sheikh told the Ealing Times that a neighbour alerted them to flames coming from the top of the house. She stated that the family had only seconds to evacuate the building before the fire spread rapidly.
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The Sheikh family believes a firework, possibly lit for Diwali celebrations, may have landed on their roof and caused the initial spark. Zoya Sheikh noted that while they did not hear any impact on the house due to the noise of other fireworks, her brother had smelled something unusual. She expressed that the family, who did not have home insurance, could have died if they had not escaped so quickly.
The family has since launched a fundraising page on GoFundMe to help cover the costs of rebuilding their house. The page states: "Our house got burnt down". The family has lived in the property since they were children, with all their memories contained within the home.
Zoya Sheikh said that while the official cause is unconfirmed and could be an electrical fault, the family hopes people will be mindful of firework use. Sabiha Sheikh added that fireworks are dangerous and that careless actions nearly killed her entire family.
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Questions this report answers
+When did the fire happen and where?
A fire broke out at a family home in Wembley, London, on November 1. The incident required a significant response from the London Fire Brigade.
+How many firefighters attended the incident?
Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze at the Wembley home. The London Fire Brigade confirmed their attendance at the scene.
+What is the suspected cause of the fire?
The official cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, the family living in the home suspects that a firework may have landed on their roof and ignited the blaze.
+How can people help the affected family?
The family has launched a fundraising page on GoFundMe to help raise money for rebuilding their house. They are appealing for donations to assist with the extensive damage.
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