Biggleswade couple save the day as blaze engulfs homeless sleeping area

Jasmyn Webb, 21, and Gareth Caple, 25, were driving past an alcove for bins at Asda, Biggleswade, at 9.15pm on January 2 when they noticed smoke billowing from inside. The area is a known spot for the homeless to try to gain shelter.

Gareth bravely ran in to check that no-one was there, and the couple alerted the supermarket and emergency services, with Gareth extinguishing the flames before the firefighters arrived on the scene.

Gareth said: “The whole area was engulfed in flames all the way up to the ceiling of this little walkway.

“We stopped the car and I ran out as fast as I could. Jas then got on the phone to the emergency services.

“While she was talking to them it sounded like there were deodorant cans exploding, so I told her to get back.

“I shouted ‘is anybody there?’. But there would have been no hope at that stage, if you know what I mean. You would have had to drag them out and it wouldn’t have ended well.”

When they spotted the smoke, the couple knew that the alcove was usually used by the homeless for shelter, which is why Gareth rushed to see if anyone was trapped.

He then alerted the supermarket, which sent out a security guard with a fire extinguisher, followed by two more staff members with fire extinguishers, with Gareth bravely using one of the instruments to douse the flames.

He added: “When I went up to the fire I made sure nobody was inside. There was a tent on fire. It’s natural instinct. I can’t bear to see somebody suffering.”

The couple were upset that what few possessions the homeless person had had were destroyed by the fire, so that evening they set up an appeal on social media.

Kind-hearted Jasmyn and Gareth then drove around the community collecting donations of bedding and other supplies.

They knew of one homeless man who had been staying in the alcove recently, so they contacted the King’s Arms, Sandy, where he was staying and spoke to him over the phone (the pub has been looking after vulnerable people for Central Bedfordshire Council during the pandemic).

Jasmyn added: “He had moved out of there [the alcove] and another gentleman had moved in.

“He was very thankful for the donations, but he didn’t want to take them because someone might be out there suffering more than him.”

The couple have now left the donations at the King’s Arms so someone in need may use them.

Jasmyn and Gareth would like to thank everyone who helped on the day, including the shop staff, the emergency services, everyone who donated items, and a gentleman who ran out to assist with a bucket of water.

Jasmyn said: “I was quite scared when Gareth went into the fire to make sure that no-one was in there, and there was so much smoke when he was putting it out!”

Gareth, who is originally from South Africa, concluded: “I have dealt with a few fires in my lifetime and it’s scary.

“In my home area there are bush fires and it’s quite a horrific scene, especially when stuff is done deliberately. When guys are running around for 48 hours [to douse the flames] that’s one hell of a fire.”

Reflecting on the incident at Asda, he added: “I just hope there’s other people out there who will help. Homelessness is a major issue in the UK.

“People are suffering and struggling.

“We’ve just got to try and help everybody as much as we can. My heart goes out to every single one of them.

“I come from a country where there’s a lot of poverty and to see people struggling is not the easiest thing in the world. I hope people can help where they can.”

A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were called just after 9pm on January 2.

“One fire crew attended the incident, alongside Bedfordshire Police, on Church Street. Firefighters dampened down the area with one hose reel and assessed the area for safety. The fire was extinguished and it was deemed accidental.

“We would like to thank the callers who notified the emergency services promptly.”