Tributes left at Telford bungalow after tragic blaze

Flowers have been left at the remains of a bungalow in which a man died during a blaze.

The home In Park Lane, Woodside, was gutted in the fierce fire that quickly ripped through the property with flames going through the roof.

It is thought that the man who died was in his 50s.

Firefighters risked their lives going into the burning bungalow to rescue an 89-year-old woman, carrying her to safety. She was taken to hospital after her ordeal.

Yesterday, two days after the fire, a smell of burning still lingered over the area and the remains of the bungalow was fenced off from the public.

The property is so badly damaged it is believed it will have to be demolished.

Initial investigations show the fire is not thought to be suspicious.

A dozen bouquets of flowers have been tied to the fencing, with one saying "with love from your neighbours".

Fire chiefs have called the firefighters who went into the bungalow on Friday morning heroic.

When they arrived at the blazing home shortly after 7.15am brave neighbours had already tried to break the door down but had been unable to get inside.

Firefighters managed to rescue the woman before the roof collapsed but later found the body of a man believed to be in his late 50s.

Guy Williams, area manager for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the firefighters searched for people who were unaccounted for.

“They very quickly located a woman in her 80s. The crew were able to rescue her before the roof collapsed.

“They were nothing short of heroic going into that building and rescuing that lady. It was a really significant fire which spread quickly across the roof.”

Over the weekend fire officers visited homes across the area offering safety guidance and reassurance.

Anyone with fire safety concerns should call Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01743 260200.