A home owner thanked villagers for their generosity after his Wimblington home was gutted in a fire last night (November 27).

Cambs Times: Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night.Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night. (Image: Archant)

The house, in Morley Way, was still smouldering this morning as one fire engine remained to complete the final checks of the family home.

The home owner told a community Facebook group that his family and animals were all safe,

“Thank you for all your kind words,” he told villagers.

“From the third minute of the blaze being discovered, everyone was safe, the rest is just material and with my family at risk, well I can replace bricks and mortar.

Cambs Times: Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night.Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night. (Image: Archant)

He added: “I wouldn’t normally post on an open forum however, the outpouring of kind words and potential generosity from the community, I just want to thank you all, for everything.

“We are lucky enough to have a large pool of friends and family who are providing us with everything we need and are all well.

“Again thank you for everything everyone has said and done. We are not going anywhere and the bricks and mortar will be like new in six months.”

Faced with access problems, officers called in a specialist piece of aerial fire fighting equipment from Boston - 40 miles away.

Cambs Times: Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night.Nine fire crews – including one from Boston – were called to a garage and house blaze in Wimblington last night. (Image: Archant)

A fire service spokesman said: “Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire and prevent further spread.

“The fire was brought under control by 9pm and all crews returned to their stations by midnight and an investigation is underway to determine how the fire started.”

A total of nine fire crews were called to the fire that prompted numerous social media comments.

“I heard explosion from my house,” said one resident. “The flames were awful but all the people were outside.”

A member of a ‘pay it forward’ group said: “We can definitely help out if needed. If the family need items that haven’t already been given, we will post something out and even collect what’s needed.”

Another said: “So glad you’re all okay. If there is anything you need or need help with, please do ask. Many of us would like to donate items and/or time to help you all through the coming weeks.

“I don’t have much, but if you need someone to help with the deep cleaning of your home eventually, it’s my skill.

Fire chiefs say the cause of the blaze – that destroyed the roof of the detached house and nearby garages – is yet to be determined.