A family-of-four faces weeks in temporary accommodation after a lightning strike during the storms set the roof of their home in Chelmer Village alight yesterday (July 18).
Firefighters eventually left the seriously damaged property in Murrells Lock at round 5am today (July 19) after tackling the blaze from around 11pm. Nobody was hurt but the property might have to be torn down.
The owner of the house, Gareth Williams, 47, described himself as numb, hours after the fire, but heaped praise on generous neighbours.
"We have got about 10 offers of 'you can stay with us'," he said. "The neighbours have been amazing.
"The roof tiles are all on the first floor, and the ceiling downstairs is bout to go because it's saturated."
Mr Williams added that the house would most likely have to be demolished.
"About 10.45pm there was a lightning strike and really loud bang which a lot of people in the area seemed to hear," he said. "I was out at the time, I got back at about midnight to find the fire brigade was here. It burned all the way through the house.
"I had no idea - I had been out and got back to find everyone in the street.
"My wife got them out quickly so they are still in their pyjamas at a friends. Everyone was in a distressed state."
When asked what his next plans were, he said: "I'm going to buy some clothes."
During the conversation, neighbours had come up to him offering any help they could
Dozens of people have taken also to social media to offer support to the stricken family.
Firefighters tackle the blazeNeighbour Alex Hillman, 40, added: "The thunder was so violent it was shaking the house and we were sitting on the sofa and we could feel it again the door frames.
"My daughter woke up, she is six and she came down. Just before this I'm saying do not worry about the lightning - I guess she's not going to listen to me again."
