'Family forced to flee home in pyjamas' following early-morning blaze
A fundraising appeal has been set up to help those affected...
Last updated 20th Oct 2026
A fundraising appeal has been launched in support of two families in the Scottish Borders forced to flee their homes following a fire in the early hours of this morning (Monday).
Emergency services from both sides of the Scotland-England border raced to Glebe Place in Chirnside, after the alarm was raised shortly before 1.30am.
Crews from Duns, Dunbar, Coldstream and Northumberland spent more than three hours extinguishing the blaze, which ripped through the roof of the property, and making the scene safe.
Neighbours are now rallying round, with an appeal for donations of clothing, shoes, toiletries and food.
Recalling the drama, Francesca Oliver, who launched the fundraiser, said: "We awoke to the sounds of cries, screaming and an inferno blazing!
"Two families have been affected by this awful event. One though has lost everything - their memories, their home, their possessions. All they have is the pyjamas they ran out of the house wearing.
“Luckily all made it out alive, but the house is a shell."
And she added: "I can’t begin to explain how utterly devastating it was to witness and how helpless everybody felt."
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One neighbour described hearing what sounded like fireworks before looking out of their bedroom window and seeing smoke and flames.
They described the scenes as “terrifying”.
Francesca said: "We couldn’t do much but watch on in horror during it, but as a community we can rally to help a family rebuild their lives.
"Our little street provided shelter, warmth and support during a traumatic and devastating time.
"We now need the community to please pull together, whether it’s by donating as little as £1, or offering clothes etc. What seems like a little could be a massive help."
The GoFundMe page had already raised more than £2,000 within hours of being launched. For more details, and to donate, click here.
Berwickshire Housing Association has confirmed it owns the properties affected.
A spokesperson said: "Our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of those affected and temporary accommodation has been arranged for the households requiring it.
“We recognise how distressing this incident has been for those involved and will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary support for the households affected.”
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