8 December 2006

A man had a lucky escape when fire broke out in sheltered housing in High Wycombe last night.

While he slept on a sofa, heat from a portable heater started a fire in a nearby rubbish bin and spread to curtains.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to Archdale, in Rutland Street, when an automatic fire alarm activated at 10.14pm. Three appliance and crews from High Wycombe Fire Station attended. Four firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus and the fire was put out with a hose reel.

Steve Hawkins, Blue Watch Manager at High Wycombe Fire Station, said: “The man was extremely lucky as he was found only a few metres from the source of the fire.

“He was quickly rescued by the first breathing apparatus crew and given oxygen until the ambulance arrived because he was suffering from smoke inhalation.”

About 25 per cent of the ground floor of the 30m by 30m building was smoke-logged. Firefighters used a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan to clear the smoke as quickly as possible and to prevent further smoke damage.

Steve added: “I have spoken to the hospital this morning and the man has been admitted to a ward and seems to be making a recovery.”