A community’s fundraising campaign to help those affected by a devastating street fire has taken another step.

At least three homes were severely damaged, and houses on either side were also affected when the fire struck Linton Street in Carlisle on Friday afternoon.

Appliances from Carlisle East and Carlisle West, were mobilised just after 3pm and one former resident of the street said his ‘heart dropped’ when he saw what had happened.

After discovering that the fire was spreading along the roof void of the long terrace of houses, additional support, from Longtown, Brampton, Wigton and Penrith fire stations, was called in.

During the incident, 16 breathing apparatus wearers attacked the fire from below, whilst Carlisle East’s aerial ladder platform was used to create fire breaks above, preventing the fire spreading to other properties.

The Linton Street fire fundraiser, set up by the community centred on the Linton Holme Inn, smashed both of their initial targets and have now raised over £3,000.

The new target set by the fundraisers is £5,000.

Recalling the moment he saw the fire, Linton Holme Inn landlord, Dave Gartside, said: “I was gobsmacked.

“When someone walks into your pub and says the house of someone you know is on fire, you think they’re joking.

“When you walk out and see 20 – 30 foot flames coming out of your friend’s house, it’s quite traumatic.

“To see their faces was even more traumatic.”

Dave said they are still waiting to know the full extent of the damaged caused by the fire in order to know how exactly to help those in need.

Some people have “lost everything”, he said.

“With the others, we really don’t know yet, because they haven’t been given permission to go in [to their homes].

“What we can do to help people at the minute is limited, because we don’t know what people need.”

However, he added that the community have been able to donate quilts, pillows and blankets to residents who have been affected.

Dave labelled the progress of the fundraiser as "extrodinary". 

He said: "There are some really large donations comin gin from organisations and people from the community.

"It's fantastic.

"A town like Carlisle is fantastic at pulling together."

To donate funds, visit the GoFundMe page here.