Freezer blast sets city home ablaze

A man was led to safety by firefighters from a blazing Wolverhampton house today.

Two crews from Fallings Park and one from Wolverhampton were sent to Church Road, Bushbury, at around 1.20am.

Firefighters found a severe blaze in a rear ground floor storage room at the two-storey semi-detached house.

Using specialist breathing apparatus they were able to lead one man safely from the house.

In all, four firefighters using breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet were used to bring the blaze under control.

An investigation discovered that the fire, which was contained in one room, had been caused by a faulty fridge freezer.

The man was given a precautionary check by paramedics at the scene, but did not require hospital treatment.

Watch Commander Simon Hardiman said the man had a lucky escape, adding:"When we arrived we were unable to rouse the resident who was asleep upstairs.

"We broke in through a front window and were able to lead him to safety.""He was woken by the sound of the fire engines and the glass breaking. He was very lucky it could have been a lot worse."

At least two fires have been caused in the region this year by freezers exploding.