Hero neighbour searches blazing Telford house - with video and pictures
A hero neighbour searched a blazing house in Telford as he thought the occupier was asleep inside.
The blaze, which started in a bedroom, gutted the first floor of the house in Gittens Drive, Aqueduct, last night.
Telford central station commander Mark Weaver said that luckily the occupier was out at a friend's and the neighbour was able to leave the building safely.
Fire crews rushed to the house just after 8.50pm.
Another neighbour who asked not to be named took a video of fire crews at the scene:
Three fire engines were mobilised from Telford Central and Wellington.
The fire has wrecked the first floor and damaged part of the ground floor.
Mr Weaver said: "The fire started in the bedroom and has destroyed the top floor of the house. Three appliances went to the scene. We left at about 2.30am after damping down. The investigation is still ongoing into the cause.
"A neighbour did run in to see if someone was in there. He went up the stairs but was beaten back by the flames. The occupant was at a friend's but he wasn't to know that at the time."
One neighbour who saw the drama unfold said: "I was just on my way home from work when all the fire engines were there. I couldn't get through because of all the vehicles. It was mad. I heard the owner was not there so I'm glad no-one was hurt."
Another said: "The fire service were amazing. They were straight in there. There were lots of people who came down for a look. It's not good for the owner but at least nobody got injured."
A fire service spokesman said: "Fire crews used six breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, one covering jet, one short extension ladder, one thermal imaging camera and one positive pressure ventilation fan."
