Three fire crews called to Ripon house blaze

Firefighters from Ripon, Boroughbridge and Harrogate were called to a house fire in Ripon last night.

The crews were alerted to smoke billowing from the roof of a detached home in the Gallows Hill area of the city at 6.21pm.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used the aerial ladder platform  based at Harrogate Fire Station to tackle the fire on the third floor.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident report said:

“The cause was believed to be radiated heat from the flue of a wood-burning stove.”

No further details have been released.

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Greenwoods ‘thriving’ after shocking tragedy, says founder’s daughter

When Greenwoods Solicitors attended the Yorkshire Legal Awards on Thursday, for director Camilla Greenwood it felt as if they had already won. 

It’s been 18 months since her mother, Knaresborough solicitor Lynda Greenwood, tragically died in a fire at her home in Brearton, leaving the firm’s future up in the air. Camilla had a job she enjoyed with Leeds law firm Irwin Mitchell, and the magnitude of carrying on her mother’s legacy was daunting. 

Speaking exclusively to the Stray Ferret, she said: 

“My family home had just burned down, my mum, who was my only relative, had died, and I could barely even feed myself. The thought of dealing with all this – I didn’t know if I had it in me. 

“But then it became a sort of security blanket. This was my mum’s lifetime’s work and she was a pillar of the community. And it wasn’t just about me; it was everyone else who was involved as well – the members of staff, and the clients with ongoing cases.” 

Lynda founded Greenwoods in 1991 and was determined it would be a trusted part of the local community. The firm now has a team of six – Camilla calls it “small but mighty” – and has just appointed a seventh to help it cope with an increase in private client work. Now, Camilla wants to continue the firm in the spirit her mother intended, maintaining the very human ethos that elicited loyalty among clients. 

She said: 

“My mum opened Greenwoods when I was six months old, so I saw it all – I used to do my homework at a desk in the office. I grew up here, so I felt partly raised by the firm, really. 

“You’ve got to carry on. She did that too – she set up this firm so she could have me, so we extend that support to other parents. Our new employee has a little boy, so we’ll alter her working hours so she can take him to school and pick him up – because that’s what the firm was for.

“You don’t have to have one or the other – you can have a family and a career, and we’ll support you with that.” 

The firm, which has a double frontage on Knaresborough’s High Street, applies the same kind of human approach to its dealings with clients. Camilla said: 

“We know that moving house is really stressful, so give us a ring and you’ll speak to the same person every time you call the office – you’re not going to be fobbed off with a ‘press 1 to speak to…’. You’re not a number, and that’s something that has to be relevant to staff and clients.” 

Photo of the team at Greenwoods Solicitors in Knaresborough.

The Greenwoods team dressed for the awards season.

Camilla is soon going to have reason to take advantage of her firm’s family-friendly employment policies, as she’s due to have her first baby at the end of November. She said: 

“Timing is everything, isn’t it?! I found out I was pregnant in the week of the anniversary of my mum’s death. It was very spooky. 

“Just when I thought I was gaining some control and thought I had reins on the situation, here comes generation three!” 

It was a lovely and unexpected twist in the tale of Greenwoods’ survival after such a shocking tragedy, and it seems fitting that Camilla’s daughter will be brought up “in the firm” just as she was. It also feels in some way like a vindication – a seal of approval – on Camilla’s decision to carry on the business. She said of that time: 

“It took a lot of soul-searching, but once I’d made the decision to do it, there was very little that was going to stop me. I needed the ground to stop shaking after the earthquake for me to take a breath and say ‘let’s do this’, and since I made the decision to do it, magical stuff has happened.” 

That “magic” isn’t just confined to the imminent new arrival. Greenwoods has been nominated for several awards over the last few months, and has won some of them, including Family-Run Business of the Year at the Knaresborough Business Awards, which Camilla says was “really special and touching” . 

Now, with a growing team, local praise for the firm’s newly refurbished offices, and a slew of five-star client reviews, Camilla says things are very much looking up: 

“We’re getting recognition from the industry, from clients and from the community. I feel quite emotional about it. I know my mum would be so proud.” 

Greenwoods didn’t win the awards they were shortlisted for at the awards ceremony in Leeds on Thursday evening, but Camilla says it doesn’t matter – the transformation of the firm’s fortunes over the last 18 months feels like a huge win in itself. She said: 

“Literally a couple of days after the fire, I was shell-shocked and one compliance solicitor in London told me I had two options: either close or dispose of the firm. But I thought ‘those aren’t my only options; there is another choice: I do this, I find a way and make it work’ – and I have done.

“We’re not just coping, we’re thriving, and I think that needs celebrating.”

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Fire ravages home in Harrogate

A house has been badly damaged by fire in Harrogate this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to Hill Top Crescent in Bilton at 3.26pm and are still in attendance. The road was cordoned off.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said three fire engines from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon attended.

It did not say whether anyone was injured.

The report added:

“Fire in a garage spread to an attached bungalow.

“Crews have used breathing apparatus, hose reels, main jets and a quantity of firefighting foam.

“The cause of the fire is to be investigated.”

The damaged roof

The road was cordoned off.

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Ripon fire victim: ‘We can’t thank everyone enough’

Ripon residents have rallied to support those affected by a fire that ravaged three terraced houses on Friday.

Six teams of firefighters were called to Magdalens Close at 7pm to deal with a blaze believed to have been caused by a gas leak.

The fire spread to two adjoining properties and although one woman was hospitalised nobody was seriously injured.

However, none of the homes is currently fit to live in and those affected have had to find alternative accommodation.

The fire has caused major damage.

The people of Ripon pledged all kinds of support over the weekend.

Alex Ryder, whose sister was in one of the side homes affected, started a gofundme page on Saturday to raise £3,000 for the families affected.

By last night it had raised more than £3,500 — thanks in no small part to an anonymous donation of £1,800.

Mr Ryder told the Stray Ferret:

“We have no idea who it was but we can’t thank them enough.”

Although Sophie’s home was not as badly fire damaged as the one in the middle, smoke and water has ruined all furniture, carpets and the majority of possessions. Mr Ryder said:

“The middle house and house on the left are definitely uninhabitable at the moment and there’s a question mark over my sister’s, they are awaiting advice from a structural engineer as to whether it is safe or if it needs knocking down and rebuilding,”

Firefighters tackling the blaze on Friday.

Sophie added:

“It’s been a horrific couple of days and we are still trying to process everything that’s going on.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and kind words. As soon as it started the neighbours on Magdalens Close were amazing and have been ever since, offering accommodation, food, water, anything we need.

“The gofundme page just shows how amazing everyone is and has been.”

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Three homes damaged in major fire in Ripon

Firefighters have been tackling a major incident in Ripon this evening in which fire has badly damaged three homes in Magdalens Close.

There are no reported casualties.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a gas leak is believed to have caused the fire.

Crews from Ripon, Harrogate, Northallerton, Boroughbridge, Bedale and Thirsk were summoned to a row of three brick-built terraced houses.

It is understood the fire began around 7pm in the roof void of one of the properties and spread to the two adjoining houses.

Residents of the close watched as firefighters dealt with the blaze and brought it under control.

Police and paramedics were on the scene and a section of Magdalens Road between Princess Road and North Bridge was shut while emergency services handled the incident.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said:

“The fire spread rapidly to the property located to the left.

“Crews sectorised the fire and used two hose reel jets, four main jets and numerous breathing apparatus sets to tackle the fire.

“A gas leak was located in one of the properties so a gas engineer was requested to attend. Crews brought the fire under control and managed to prevent further spread to the last property.”

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Smoke inhalation killed woman in Harrogate house fire, inquest hears

A woman who lost her life in a Harrogate house fire died because of carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke inhalation, an inquest has heard.

Jayne Addyman, 54, died on January 7 last year at her home on Craven Street, which is close to King’s Road.

The inquest also heard alcohol intoxication was found to be a significant factor contributing to her death.

John Broadbridge, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire and York, concluded Ms Addyman died because of an accident.

The inquest was held on January 20 in Northallerton and Mr Broadbridge confirmed the details today to the Stray Ferret.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough were called to Craven Street at 6.20am on Friday, January 7 last year.

Paramedics performed CPR but Ms Addyman was certified dead at the scene.

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Resident taken to hospital after house fire near Masham

A resident was taken to hospital last night after a house fire between Masham and Ripon.

Fire spread from the fireplace at the home in Mowbray Terace, West Tanfield, prompting firefighters from Ripon and Bedale to rush to the scene at 6.09pm.

It was the fourth incident attended by Ripon fiefighters yesterday. They also dealt with a garage fire, chimney fire and water leak.

North Yorkshire Fore and Rescue Service’s incident log said:

“The fire had spread from the fireplace and was extinguished using one hose reel jet, small tools and a positive pressure fan to ventilate.

“The occupant of the property was also taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.”

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Knaresborough solicitor died in fatal fire caused by candle, inquest finds

A house fire which led to the death of a Knaresborough solicitor is likely to have been caused by a candle, an inquest heard today.

Lynda Delf Greenwood died at the scene of the fire which destroyed her home in Brearton in April this year.

The inquest heard both police and fire officers conclude that a candle on a coffee table in the living room was thought to have been the origin of the fire.

The fire took hold thanks to wood and other materials near the open fire, which was not lit.

Fire investigator Tony Walker told the inquest:

“It did surprise me a little just how quickly it had spread to the upstairs bedroom which was so badly affected by the fire that it [collapsed] down into the living room.

“When I was speaking to [Mrs Greenwood’s daughter] Camilla, I was informed Lynda kept a large amount of fire lighters and kindling by the side of the fire which may have been feeding the fire.”

Earlier in the week, the court heard, Mrs Greenwood had had an operation on her foot and was wearing a “boot” for support.

However, on the day of the fire, Saturday, April 2, she appeared well and uninhibited by the boot. Camilla had gone shopping and to have beauty treatments in Knaresborough with her mother.

They returned to the house in Brearton where Mrs Greenwood, who was 67, had cooked dinner. Camilla left just after 8pm, having made plans to see her mother the following day for a family event.

Dog barking

The inquest heard Mrs Greenwood then spoke to her sister-in-law, Samantha Nattress, over the phone just after 8.30pm. Mrs Nattress told the hearing there was nothing unusual about the phone call, other than one of Mrs Greenwood’s five dogs barking in the background on two occasions during the 45-minute call.

The phone call ended just after 9.20pm when Mrs Greenwood said she was going to bed.

Neighbours noticed the fire just after 10pm and called the fire service, as well as rushing to the scene to help. Three men went to the conservatory door and rescued the dogs, while also calling into the house for Mrs Greenwood.

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The inquest heard firefighters arrived just a few minutes later. Police and paramedics also attended.

Mrs Greenwood was found lying in the hallway behind the door to the kitchen. She was taken outside into the garden where first firefighters and then paramedics attempted to resuscitate her, but without success.

The Brearton house destroyed in the fatal fire

The Brearton house destroyed in the fatal fire.

Giving evidence at the inquest, DS Louise Pegg said she felt it was likely Mrs Greenwood, having discovered the fire, had been trying to get to the dogs’ room on the other side of the kitchen.

She added:

“I’m led to believe there was quite a lot of furniture in [the house]… Once the fire had taken hold, there was material that was combustible.

“Camilla told me that it’s rare for her mother to use a candle, but on that occasion she had lit a candle.”

Mr Walker said he had also concluded the dogs were in the area next to the conservatory where they were usually kept and that he believed two battery-operated smoke alarms were not working. He added:

“If Lynda had come out of her bedroom door when she first detected that smell of smoke, by that time there would have been a lot of product combustion in that part of the hallway. There will have been a lot of smoke.”

‘Loveable fruitcake’

In statements read out by North Yorkshire area coroner Catherine Cundy, friends and neighbours described Mrs Greenwood as “bubbly” and that she “would help anyone out with anything”. The court heard she was an active member of the community and in the village church and one neighbour said she was “a lovable fruitcake”.

Mrs Greenwood ran her own solicitors’ practice in Knaresborough and, in October 2021, invited neighbour Leighton Williams to join her as a partner in the firm, which he did.

Her daughter Camilla had moved back home after university in December 2020, but left the following year. Mrs Greenwood’s parents had both lived in an annexe next to the house but had died in 2021.

Camilla described her mother as “one of a kind” and “fun to be around” in a statement read to the inquest. She said she was “extremely capable”, “high-functioning” and “organised”. While her mother could seem “a little forgetful” sometimes, Camilla said this was only over minor matters and she loved to organise family occasions.

The court heard a post-mortem examination found evidence of Mrs Greenwood’s prescription medication in her blood, as well as some alcohol, which could have been enough to make her disorientated or cause blurred vision.

There was evidence of toxic levels of carbon monoxide inhalation, the court heard.

Ms Cundy recorded a verdict of accidental death in the fire, most likely caused by the candle.

Blaze at derelict house in Knaresborough was started deliberately
Harrogate Fire Service said tonight that a fire at a derelict house in Knaresborough was started deliberately.
Crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were called out yesterday just before 7pm to the house near Grimald Bridge.
The service said it extinguished the fire using two 45mm jets, one hose reel jet, delta lance, triple extension ladder and small tools.

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North Yorkshire Police put out a statement on social media about the importance of talking to young people about the danger of fire:
“One of the hardest things to do is getting our children to listen when we need to have those difficult conversations, especially as they grow older towards adulthood. However, when they are at such an impressionable age, these talks need to be had.
“After the devastating blazes the country saw last week, and all the media coverage that ensued, we’d encourage you to have a serious conversation about fire risks.
By lighting a deliberate fire they’re not just putting their life in immediate danger, but they are potentially damaging it in other ways too.
Arson is an offence and one that comes with a criminal record if convicted. Criminal records are horrible things – they can restrict job prospects, your travel plans and eligibility for financial products, including mortgages.
What may seem like a ‘joke’ or a ‘laugh’ when they are young may not be so funny a few years later when they want to travel to America, buy a house or apply for their dream job.
“Just don’t do it and certainly don’t encourage anyone else to do it either.”
The fire service put out this video taken by Sam Pedel:

Solicitor Lynda Greenwood died of smoke inhalation, inquest hears

An inquest into the death of prominent local solicitor Lynda Greenwood heard today that she died of smoke inhalation when her house caught fire.

Ms Greenwood, who founded Greenwoods Solicitors in Knaresborough in 1991, died on April 2 at her home in Brearton. She was 67.

Her home was severely damaged in the blaze, which occurred at about 10pm on a Saturday night.

Assistant coroner Jonathan Leach gave the cause of death at today’s brief opening inquest in Northallerton. He said she was divorced her maiden name was Nattress.

Me Leach added:

“She was at home on April 2 when a fire broke out, as a result of which she died at the scene.”

The inquest was adjourned until a later date.

Ms Greenwood was born in South Shields but grew up in Knaresborough where she attended King James’s School before completing a law degree at Kingston University and becoming a partner in a Surrey law firm.

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After having her daughter, she set up Greenwoods Solicitors in her home town.

A statement on the company’s website says:

“On Saturday 2 April 2022 our colleague, our friend, our Lynda, was taken from us in the most tragic of circumstances.

“Lynda touched the hearts of everyone who met her and we have been overwhelmed by the number of kind messages we have received.”