Man Suffers Severe Burns After Bursledon House Blaze
A man has been seriously burned after a fierce house fire tore through a property on High Street, Bursledon, early this morning (Monday 5th December 2016) just after 7am. The blaze was spotted by a passing dog walker, whose alert pooch barked violently before flames were seen licking the window.
Hero Dog Walker Raises the Alarm
Jared Colman 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.
Firefighters Smash Door to Rescue Trapped Man
Five fire crews from Hightown, Botley, and St Mary’s tackled the inferno, backed by an aerial ladder. They had to smash down the front door to save the man trapped inside. The fire is believed to have started in a workshop at the rear of the property before spreading rapidly to the roof.
Neighbours in Shock as Resident Battles for Life
The local community is devastated. One resident, 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/" title="Southampton General Hospital" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">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.
