Mum of three loses everything in house fire as family’s pets all die

A mum of three has thanked the local community for support after losing everything in a house fire. Pearl O’Brien and her two eldest children came home from work on Friday night to find their Pontycymer home on fire.

There was nothing they could do to help save the family’s three dogs who were inside the house in Victoria Street, but Pearl said it was just luck that none of her children were in the house too.

Members of the local community have been rallying around Pearl and her next-door neighbour, whose house was also badly damaged by the smoke.

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The cause of the fire is now under investigation, and a team from Wales and West were seen at the property on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 7pm on Friday, November 29. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

Pearl, 37, said: “Thankfully both my daughters, aged 17 and 20, came to collect me from work at the local sofa centre. My younger daughter doesn’t normally come with her sister. She would normally be in her bedroom watching television, but she decided to come last night. Thanks goodness or I could have been organising a funeral today.

“My nine-year-old son was with his grandparents and we decided to stop off at the shop on the way home. When we got back we could see the smoke and the flames. The kitchen had gone.”

She said it was heartbreaking to watch her son waiting outside in the hope that their three dogs could be saved. “He came down when he heard about the fire,” said Pearl. “He refused to leave. He stood in the rain just hoping that the dogs would be OK.”

Pearl added: “One of the dogs had been with us for 17 years and had belonged to my mum and he was so upset saying it was all he had left of his Nanny O’Brien. We have no idea how the fire started, but they are investigating now so hopefully we will get some answers.”

A fundraising page set up to help Pearl and her neighbour has raised more than £2,000 in a couple of hours. It says: “Two families homes have been devastated by a house fire. Thankfully no people were hurt. Pearl’s family home has been destroyed and all they are left with are the clothes in their back. [Her neighbour’s] home has been devastated by smoke and water damage. As a community we are asking for donations for the families to be able to replace necessity items and help towards rebuilding their homes/lives. The children of these families are heartbroken seeing the damage caused to their homes.”

In response, Pearl, who is staying with family, said she can’t thank people enough. “I am still in shock,” she said. “It feels like a movie, but everyone has been amazing. We have had offers of clothes and so much help. It is really overwhelming and we are so grateful to everyone.”