Grandma living in Travelodge after 'losing everything' in Barrow fire

Janet Devereux was at home in Salthouse Road last Thursday evening when she was disturbed by a banging on her front door.

The 57-year-old was told a fire had broken out on the street and she may need to leave her house.

Crews from across Cumbria were called to the incident which affected multiple properties at the intersection of Salthouse Road and Marsh Street, several of which have since been deemed ‘uninhabitable’.

“When I looked up smoke was billowing down the street,” the mum-of-three said.

“I rang my son to come and pick me up. It was chaos outside, my son wasn’t able to get down the street. Luckily everyone got out okay.

“I walked out of the house with teabags, a pint of milk and some sugar, thinking I would be back in a few hours.

“It was a lot worse than I realised.”

Janet has lost all her possessions because of the fire – but still feels grateful not to have lost her life.

Firefighters tackling the fire in Salthouse Road (Image: NQ)

“I have lost everything – I don’t think I’ll be able to recover anything,” the grandma-of-six said.

“The roof of my house has completely gone. My upstairs neighbour’s flat has got significant water damage.

READ MORE: Major incident declared after fire on Salthouse Road in Barrow

“Anything I have I can replace, apart from pictures of my grandkids in the house. They don’t cost anything but mean a lot to me.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. You never expect something like this happen to you.

“I went back to my house and it’s unliveable now unfortunately.

“Although I have to start again, I’d rather that than have lost my life.”

Janet is temporarily living in a Travelodge while another suitable property is found.

Shipyard worker Carolanne McInally rescued four children from one of properties affected by the fire, carrying them to safety and warning other residents about the incident.

READ MORE: Mum appeals to help families who 'lost everything' after Barrow fire

Adamant on helping those affected by the fire, Carolanne appealed to residents of Salthouse Road to contact her about what they need.

She paid a visit to Janet on Thursday who was ‘over the moon’ to receive a delivery of clothes and shoes as well as items for her dog.

Westmorland and Furness Council said the highways team is carrying out an assessment on Salthouse Road over the next few days to see if one lane can be reopened.