Gentle return to normality: Denbigh newly-wed reflects on fire

Emma Jones, whose maiden name is Vaughan, had gone out to work when she was told her house was on fire on Wednesday, March 6.

The blaze had been contained in one room but the heat melted the windows in the other rooms and there was smoke damage through the entire house.

The community rallied round to support 49-year-old Emma, who got married to her partner Euros Jones on March 28. 

Speaking about what life has been like since the fire, Emma, of Denbigh, said: "Life has now returned to normal, thankfully much sooner than we initially expected.

Damage to the property (Image: North Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
"We were led to believe that we wouldn't be able to return home for several months but thankfully we had the most amazing insurance company. They were waiting for a case like ours to land on their desk. They don't use subcontractors and were waiting for a case to see if they could turn it around in 28 days. This is what they wanted to be able to offer as a company to anyone who has had a fire or flood.

"We were thrilled that our case was chosen to be the first trial.

"The house is now looking amazing. The only thing we are waiting on is the new windows."

The couple were able to move back into the house on March 25. 

Whilst their home was out of action, they were able to stay with family who Emma described as "amazing".

Fortunately, nothing in Emma's home - that was wedding related - was damaged in the fire. The couple lost a few sentimental items, however.

"We had the most fabulous wedding day surrounded by our close friends and family," Emma said.

"Jeremy, one of the team who was working on our house, was also involved. 

"We did get away for a couple of nights and plan to honeymoon in September."

There has been a spate of tumble dryer fires; earlier this month, two residents were taken to hospital following a tumble dryer fire on Cornwall Estate, Mynytho. There was also another fire in an outhouse in Caernarfon on April 9

In March, two homes in Broughton sustained severe damage due to a tumble dryer fire. Firefighters also attended fires involving tumble dryers on February 28 in Ruthin, on March 3 in Buckley and March 6 in Denbigh [the fire at Emma's house].

On the day of the fire and prior to leaving her home, Emma had turned the tumble dryer off and had opened the door to let it cool. 

The fire service told the mum the fire might have occurred due to her stopping the dryer mid-cycle. 

"I can't stress how important it is to close your doors when you go to bed at night and to make sure your dryer is off and is empty," Emma said.

"It does seem like a while ago now since the fire happened. I'm sure if we had been in rented accommodation, life would feel very different."