A man has been seriously burned after a fierce house fire tore through a property on High Street, Bursledon, early on Monday 5th December 2016 just after 7am. The blaze was first noticed by a passing dog walker, whose alert dog barked violently before flames were seen licking the window.
Jared Colman, the dog walker, was out for a stroll when his dog started barking at the burning house. Jared immediately instructed his son to call emergency services and rushed to check on the neighbour. “I saw the flames and tried to get inside, but firefighters arrived and rescued him,” Jared said.
Five fire crews from Hightown, Botley, and St Mary’s responded to the incident, tackling the inferno with support from an aerial ladder. Firefighters had to smash down the front door to save the man trapped inside the property.
The fire is believed to have started in a workshop at the rear of the house before spreading rapidly to the roof. The local community is in shock as the resident battles for life.
One neighbour, close to tears, said, “He’s the longest-standing resident here. I’m gutted for him. A friend is by his bedside – they’ve put him to sleep and he’s being transferred to Salisbury burns unit. He’s a lovely man who would do anything for anyone. I really hope he pulls through.”
Group Manager Tony Deacon of Hampshire Fire and Rescue confirmed the intense fire required crews to use water lance systems to tackle the flames. “Crews rescued the man and he was treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service before being rushed to Southampton General Hospital. The fire spread to the roof and damages are severe,” he said.
Firefighters expect to remain at the scene until at least 4pm today.
Originally published by UKNIP.
