Community rallies around family who 'lost everything' in house fire

A Highland community has rallied around a family who “lost everything” after a devastating fire destroyed their home on the outskirts of Inverness.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the house fire on Viewhill Meadows in Balloch at about 2.40pm on Tuesday.

Images from the scene show that the roof of the property was completely destroyed by the blaze.

Fire crews initially sent two appliances to the scene, but as the incident developed, four fire appliances and a high-reach vehicle were deployed.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the house fire Jasper Image

Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire affecting the roof Jasper Image

There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 10.56pm, before revisiting at 3am and 7am on Wednesday morning to carry out further inspections.

The local community has rallied around owners Agnieszka and Peter in the wake of the devastating blaze by raising more than £3,000 to support them.

The GoFundMe says the couple also have two daughters, Natalie and Jessica.

A post read: “The family are a big part of our community here at St Ninian’s Church in Inverness and of the Polish community.

“They are now looking for temporary accommodation, but meanwhile, they will need help with food, clothes, toiletries, etc. There is a link here if anyone would like to help this lovely family in such a heartbreaking time.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:”We were alerted at 2.38pm on Tuesday, July 28, to reports of a dwelling fire at Viewhill Meadows, Balloch, Inverness.

“Operations Control initially mobilised two fire appliances to the scene. As the incident developed, the response was increased to four fire appliances and a high-reach vehicle.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire affecting the roof space of a private detached house.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 10.56pm after ensuring the area was made safe.

“As a precaution, crews revisited the address at approximately 3am and 7am the following morning to carry out further inspections.”

Police Scotland said officers were assisting SFRS with road traffic management at the scene.

You can view the fundraiser here.