A FIRE which tore through a row of houses in York and forced residents out of their homes is believed to have started by accident.

Three of the properties in Joseph Edward Mews, in Bramham Avenue, Chapelfields, are uninhabitable following the blaze, which broke out at about 5.45pm on Friday.

Residents affected by the fire were due to meet with officers from City of York Council today to discuss arrangements for temporary accommodation, having spent the weekend with friends and relatives.

Dafydd Williams, who was elected as a councillor for the Westfield ward at last week’s local elections, met those affected on Saturday and said: “It is obviously devastating for them, and our main concern is to make sure everything possible is done to ensure they are properly housed and given the advice and support they need.”

“Officers are also looking to put up scaffolding and cover the damaged area of the roof with tarpaulin, so the properties affected by the fire are protected from the weather.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the exact cause of the fire had not yet been determined, but it was believed to have started accidentally.