Fire destroys woman's business and garden in Middlesbrough

The woman's garden, in Stockton, was badly damaged by the blaze, burning down a shed that contained a workshop for a craft and gift business. 

Laura Smith, 30, and Andrew Jackson,32, are in despair after the fire burnt down a garden fence, shed and summerhouse, which Laura used to run her small business from. 

Laura and Andrew, who were out watching fireworks with their one-year-old on the vening of November 5, returned to find their backyard, in Bondene Grove, engulfed in flames.

All of Laura's stock and supplies were lost in the blaze, leaving her business in ruins, as the stock wasn't covered under her insurance and therefore she will have to start from scratch. 

North East couples garden after a stray firework set the garden alight (Image: Laura Smith) Laura, who believes the blaze was started by a stray firework, said: "Just standing and watching my whole livelihood burn to the ground was the most devastating feeling. I still feel extremely numb and keep getting waves of emotions.

"But the one thing I will take from this is I'm feeling beyond grateful, we are all safe, I have my family all healthy and I thank my lucky stars we made a last minute decision to go out instead of me working.

"I made a 'life's too short' decision a decision that the fireman said potentially saved my life.

"The biggest thanks I have is to the fire service, on the busiest night of the year for them they not only were the most kindest, bravest people I have met but they are the reason we still have a house and everyone is safe, I honestly met my heroes last night."

Whilst the family home escaped with minimal damage with only a few broken windows, the garden and sheds were severely impacted. 

Stockton couples garden after a stray firework set the garden alight (Image: Laura Smith) The financial toll is steep, as their insurance doesn't cover business losses stored outside the main home. 

Replacing the business stock alone is a major financial setback, one they cannot manage on their own.

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Laura's friends and community have rallied to support the family. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds, allowing supporters to contribute toward their rebuilding efforts. 

Laura is also asking for local assistance with clearing debris, repairing the garden, and replacing their windows and fence, whether in donations or discounted or cheap work.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed that one fire engine had attended the blaze at about 6.30pm.

They added that one shed was well alight, which spread to a garage and a shed in neighbouring garden.

The blaze was brought under control at just before 7pm, but the service returned at just before 1am as the shed was still smouldering to carry out an inspection and issue advice.