A MUM has spoken of having one of the scariest nights of her life after fire ripped through the garage at her home.

Tracey Karn, her husband Matt and their three children Lilia, 14, Ellis, 9 and Bobby 4, were all in bed at their house in Dobwalls when there were huge explosions outside the window.

’The first thing was some almighty bangs that sounded like fireworks, I’ve never heard anything like it,’ said Tracey.

’We leapt out of bed, looked out of the window and saw the garage alight. We immediately called the fire brigade and evacuated the house. My youngest thankfully stayed asleep throughout he whole thing.’

Neighbours and residents in the village hearing the bangs and seeing the flames had also dialled 999, and the Fire Service said they had received 29 calls about the fire.

Crew from Liskeard Community Fire Station were scrambled at around 11pm, with a crew from Lostwithiel tasked to assist shortly afterwards.

Firefighters spent at least two hours tackling the blaze, which left the garage completely gutted.

’Thankfully and most importantly we are all ok,’ said Tracey.

’But it was one of the scariest nights ever and I am still feeling quite shaken up.

’We have lost so much stuff: all the kids’ bikes, scooters and outdoor toys as well as lawnmowers and tools.

’It was all the outdoor toys that were keeping my kids entertained at this already difficult time. Thank you to those who’ve checked up on us.’

The family are feeling especially disappointed for their middle son Ellis, who will turn 10 on April 30 and who had been due to be a mascot at a Plymouth Argyle game on April 25. Both the game and the youngster’s birthday party have been cancelled because of Covid-19.

People in the Karns’ village have come forward with offers of help and support including donations of toys from their own sheds and gardens.

’We’d like to say a massive thank you to the community of Dobwalls as well as all the firefighters that attended,’ said Tracey, ’ they were truly amazing.’