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Search forExmoor couple devastated after fire destroys their home
Monday, October 27, 2008, 13:00
David and Lesley Pile's remote house near Lynton was destroyed in a fire on Saturday night.
The blaze tore through Moorland Cottage destroying the first floor and roof, which both collapsed.
Mrs Pile, a school bus driver, said she was absolutely devastated.
"We both just wish we could put the clock back. We've lost everything.
"Two animals also died, including our miniature dachshund. Fortunately our other animals were saved."
She added: "I would like to thank everyone who has helped us. People have been absolutely marvellous. They've been so kind – we've been offered clothes and somewhere to live.
"The fire service was also wonderful."
Fire crews from Lynton, Combe Martin, Barnstaple and Dulverton all helped douse the flames after an emergency call was made at 8.30pm.
Barnstaple station manager Barry Webb said the first fire engine to arrive was from Dulverton — 15 to 20 minutes after the call.
The Barnstaple crew arrived at around 9.30pm and stayed for nearly four hours. They provided a hydraulic platform from which to tackle the blaze.
Mr Webb said: "The fire was difficult to deal with because it was in an extreme location."
He said fire fighters were told about a large number of animals at the house by relatives and friends who live nearby, as the Piles were not home at the time.
Firefighters entered the building and managed to save a number of dogs and exotic birds – parrots and parakeets.
He said the blaze may have resulted from an open fire. He added that people in remote locations need to check their fire safety arrangements.
"You can't have a fire engine on every street corner. If people are in a building, a smoke alarm is vital."
A neighbour of the Piles, farmer Bruce Owen, said the remote Exmoor community was in shock.
He said: "Fires up here don't happen that often. There was one in February and March.
"Thank God they're fairly infrequent."
Mr Pile, a plumber, said he was not sure what the insurance arrangements for the house would be, as documents had been destroyed.
Fire destroyed an Exmoor home near Lynton
