Firefighters tackle Market Drayton bungalow blaze

The fire happened in Summerhill Gardens, Market Drayton, and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault involving a fridge freezer.

Two rooms, the kitchen and utility room, were severely damaged by fire and smoke following the blaze, which started at about 11.30pm.

Firefighters say the occupants were alerted to the fire thanks to a working smoke alarm.

Mark Smith, from Market Drayton Fire Station, said: "On arrival we were met with a severe fire in progress, with flames issuing through the roof.

"It involved the utility room and kitchen of a single storey bungalow. Two rooms of the property were severely damaged by fire and smoke.

"We were there for about three hours, we had to cut away a large portion of roof.

"We contacted our colleagues from the Red Cross to support the occupants. I think they were being looked after by neighbours while it was going on.

"They were obviously shocked but thankfully not injured.

"We believe it was caused by an electrical fault involving a fridge freezer.

"It was a big job, it makes it even worse at this time of year.

"We had four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one main jet and a positive pressure fan."

Mr Smith said he wished to reiterate the importance of having working smoke alarms.

"In this case the occupants were alerted by smoke alarms going off.

"I want to stress the importance of people checking their smoke alarms are working properly and that batteries are fitted, he added.

Two fire engines from Hodnet and Market Drayton attended the scene.