Bridgwater family reflects on community support a year after fire anniversary
Community support helps family rebuild after devastating blaze
A year after a devastating fire transformed her life, Diana Mullins from Bridgwater reflects on her journey and expresses gratitude for the overwhelming community support that helped rebuild her home.
The fire, which ignited in Mullins's garage on 11th August 2025, rapidly consumed her family's belongings, changing their lives in an instant.
Reflecting on the early moments of the fire, Mullins said, “My eldest boy said he could smell smoke."
Initially attributing the smell to a bonfire, it was her son's alertness and insistence that led her to investigate further.
“I ran to the back of the house for some reason, got a fire extinguisher and I could see the tumble dryer was like fully ablaze," Mullins said.
Despite her efforts to subdue the flames, the fire quickly spread, leading them to evacuate.
The local community played an extraordinary role in supporting the family during their time of need.
According to Mullins, “Everyone in the community completely came together, and it was lovely.”
She recalled, “The salon across the road... they were doing my washing for me."
Her neighbours extended offers of shelter, with some even providing keys to their homes.
“...a lady across the road who I've never met blessed her just gave me her door keys and said come and stay with me.”
Offers of shelter, clothing donations, and even a replacement freezer poured in from customers, neighbours, and strangers.
After extensive refurbishment, Mullins said, “What once stood blackened and destroyed has been rebuilt with so much love, hard work and determination and honestly, better than ever.”
Mullins is also thankful for the timely response of the fire crews from Taunton and Bridgwater, who worked hard to control the blaze.
Despite the ordeal, the rebuild has given Mullins a renewed sense of home.
“There was a lot of bad memories... it almost felt like a cleanse. It’s our home now, all negativity's gone with that fire," Mullins reflected.
Her message to the community remains one of heartfelt appreciation: “Just a huge thank you really for supporting me and my kids.”