Elderly residents flee blaze at home

Elderly residents were evacuated from their beds today after a fire broke out at a Wolverhampton nursing home.

Firefighters were called to Orchard House in Riley Crescent, Penn Fields, just before 4.40am.

They discovered a small blaze in the bathroom of the first level, which caused extensive smoke logging on the first and second floors of the three-storey property.

While crews tackled the outbreak, staff evacuated 36 residents to the downstairs TV room for their safety.

West Midlands Fire Service group commander Nigel Soden said the cause of the blaze was under investigation. "The fire is not suspicious," he added. "All residents are safe and there have been no injuries."

Manager Ruth Butler, from the privately-run home, said: "It's too early to say how much damage has been caused. This is currently being assessed.

"Staff did a wonderful job of evacuating residents. Families have been notified and all the residents are absolutely fine."