Mother and son: We feared we would die in Telford house fire
A mother and son today described how they feared they would die after their 12-year-old cat set fire to their home.
Bubba is believed to have suffered an epileptic fit and inadvertently turned the hob on at house in Shropshire, which in turn set fire to a wooden board.
Jacky McCusker, 52, was woken by smoke pouring into her bedroom. She alerted her son, Tom, 32, and dialled 999 and waited to be rescued after realising they could not escape.
The pair were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being transferred by ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital, Telford – while Bubba simply took a seat on a nearby fence to watch the drama unfold.
Three fire engines from Telford, Tweedale and Wellington, with 15 firefighters, were called to the blaze, and within just eight minutes crews had rescued the trapped family from the first floor bedroom of the smoke-filled end terraced home in Winifreds Drive, Donnington.
Mrs McCusker today said she believed the cat was to blame because it wasn't the first time one of his fits had caused a problem.
She said: "Epilepsy is a lot more common in cats than you would think. In the past when he has been asleep and kicked out he has pushed sauce bottles off or the odd plate. I never thought anything like this could happen, but the electric oven knob only needs pushing over slightly to be turn on."
The family had a lucky escape because the batteries had run out in their smoke alarms.
Mrs McCusker only woke because the smoke stung her eyes but the pair were trapped and couldn't get downstairs.
She said today that she and her son were lucky to be alive – and urged others to ensure their smoke alarms are in good working order.
She said: "My bedroom door was open so I was exposed to the smoke as it filled the staircase.
"The flames had reached the kitchen wall leading to the hallway, just another few minutes and the flames would have been up the stairs. I forgot to check the smoke alarms; this is definitely a lesson learnt. You think it will never happen to you but it happened to us.
"I was scared but I was trying to keep calm for my son. I know he is 32 but you always think of your kids first whatever age they are. It wasn't until we got to the hospital that the enormity of what could have happened hit me."
Other than a sore throat from the smoke, both mother and son were unhurt and were today thankful to be alive.
Asked if Bubba would remain in the doghouse for long, Mrs McCusker said: "No, it was an accident, I'm sure he didn't mean to do it on purpose. How could I not love him, but if he does something like this again I might feel differently."
Investigating officers have not confirmed the cause of the blaze but said they are not treating it as suspicious.
Incident Commander Craig Jackson from Red Watch Wellington said: "They've had a very lucky escape and luckily their injuries are not life threatening.The house had smoke alarms but they had no batteries in them.
"We will be visiting this residential area again in the next few days to remind people about the importance of working fire alarms, and regular testing.
"We would also urge families to keep their exits clear and have a fire escape plan."
