Mum loses nearly everything in house fire she says was caused by a tea light

A Cinderford mother says a tea light sparked a Christmas Day fire that left most of her home damaged and killed the family dog; neighbours and strangers raised more than £4,000 to help the family recover.

Jo Barnes's house in Cinderford caught fire on Christmas Day and she believes a tea light started the blaze. Only one room escaped serious damage because its door was closed. The family dog Teddy died and the rest of the home suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service reported the fire was caused by combustible materials next to a heat source. Known details: - The fire service reported the blaze was caused by combustible materials next to a heat source. - Barnes suspects a tea light was knocked over, possibly by her cat, and that ignited nearby materials. - One room was spared serious damage when its door remained closed; elsewhere the family says they have "nearly everything" damaged or lost and the dog Teddy died. - Local people donated items and raised more than £4,000 to support the family and some neighbours who suffered smoke damage. Summary: The incident left most of the house damaged and the family is receiving immediate local support while assessing losses. Undetermined at this time.