### Elderly Couple Left Devastated After Blaze Destroys Their Home on Eve of 90th Birthday
A long-anticipated celebration turned to unimaginable tragedy last weekend in Prestatyn, when a fire broke out at the home of local residents Harold Sharp and Brenda Burrows, leaving the couple with almost nothing. Plans for Harold’s 90th birthday, which were set to take place at their bungalow on Sunday 18 May, were abruptly cancelled following the incident that has since left the family reeling.
The sequence of events began on Saturday afternoon when Brenda, hoping to prepare the bungalow for birthday festivities, was using a weed burner to tidy the garden’s edge. During her efforts, an unnoticed ember is believed to have caught on the wooden doors of their garage. As Brenda’s daughter, Kendra Burrows, later recalled, the unseasonably dry weather meant the flames accelerated rapidly, overwhelming the structure before anyone realised the danger.
Within minutes, the fire had devoured the garage and spread swiftly to the adjoining utility room. Flames then reached into the attic area, causing further destruction. Emergency services responded rapidly after receiving the call at about 5.15pm, deploying four firefighting crews to tackle the inferno. Their prompt arrival prevented the fire from engulfing the main living areas, but attempts to control the blaze resulted in significant water damage throughout the home.
“While we’re grateful the house itself wasn’t consumed by fire, everything inside has been ruined due to the collapse of ceilings and water soaking the furniture,” Kendra explained. She also noted that the neighbouring property suffered some peripheral damage, compounding the impact on the local community.
In the aftermath, the couple have been forced to move in with Kendra in Rhyl, as they begin the arduous process of coming to terms with their losses and figuring out their next steps. They are currently awaiting potential placement in temporary accommodation, while friends, neighbours and strangers alike rally to offer support.
Tragically, it emerged that Harold and Brenda did not hold insurance for their property, prompting the family to launch a public fundraising campaign in the hope of covering repair costs and replacing essential belongings. The GoFundMe appeal, set up by Kendra, details the extent of the damage and the couple’s circumstances. She writes candidly about their devastation and the difficult decision to seek help: “They are not insured and are absolutely devastated that we have to ask for help, but needs must.”
Donations have begun to arrive, and offers of local support have also started trickling in. Kendra’s former employer, Ash Waste in Wrexham, contributed two waste skips to assist with debris clearance. Brenda, who previously spent 35 years working in the building trade, is reaching out to contacts in the hope that tradespeople who know her might also pitch in.
Both Harold and Brenda are wrestling with the emotional consequences of their ordeal. Harold, who is living with dementia, reportedly wakes up disoriented, at times not understanding where he is or what has happened. Brenda, meanwhile, is experiencing significant distress and guilt, but her family are keen to emphasise the accidental nature of the tragedy.
Authorities from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that the blaze completely destroyed the garage and required a substantial response from emergency crews. Individuals at the property were checked for injury as a precaution, although no serious harm was reported.
As the family begin the slow process of recovery, they are hopeful that the generosity of the community and the efforts of loved ones will eventually see Harold and Brenda return to their home. For now, support in the form of donations, practical help and messages of goodwill continues to be gratefully received.
This incident serves as a sober reminder of how quickly normal life can be upended by unexpected accidents, and underscores the importance of preparedness. Nonetheless, as this family’s experience attests, community solidarity can offer vital comfort in the aftermath of disaster.