Businesses and the wider community in Kirkby Lonsdale are working to support those affected by a severe fire in which a man died.
Main Street is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians with a cordon in place to allow demolition work on structurally unsafe buildings to be carried out.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning and at its height, 10 fire crews were tackling the blaze. A man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.30am on Sunday.
The fire caused significant internal and external damage to buildings near Taylors, Save the Children, and Botanica, with unstable walls, unsupported structures, and roof elements posing immediate risks.
Meanwhile Dales Butchers, one of a number of businesses affected, are accepting orders by phone and email and are urging customers to support them and other businesses at a time when trade in the run up to Christmas is normally brisk.
Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Union Club is supporting a player originally from New Zealand who lost his home and all his belongings in the fire.
“Jakob is far from home and having lost every possession he had, he now needs our community to support him,” the fundraising appeal page reads.
“Even a few pounds can help him start to rebuild his life, and show that in Kirkby Lonsdale and in the wider rugby community no one stands alone. Thank you for bringing some hope and comfort to a grieving community.”
So far almost £13,000 has been raised with the club holding a minute’s silence on Sunday in memory of the man who died in the fire.
Also among those to lose possessions as a result of the fire were two former Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club players Sam Kyle-Clay and Josh Ree.
The pair had arrived home and were asleep when the fire broke out and were evacuated as it took hold nearby.
A fundraising page for the pair explains how the fire spread to the flats where Sam and Josh live.
It said: “Within hours the whole building was up in flames and everything inside unsalvageable.
“It’s with great sadness we understand that Sam and Josh’s neighbour lost his life in the fire.
“Thankfully both Sam and Josh were out of harm’s way and have come away from the fire healthy. It has been a very difficult month especially for Sam having lost his father Adrian in November.
On Thursday December 5 – two days before the fire – was Adrian’s funeral, where we celebrated his amazing life.
“Sam has been so strong dealing with the loss of his father and as a rugby club we are very proud of how he has dealt with it and continued to play rugby since he lost his dad. To lose your home in the same month is an absolute travesty.
“Sam and Josh have both said that any funds raised will be shared between everyone involved in the Kirkby Lonsdale street fire, residents who lost their homes, and family members who have lost loved ones.”
