Inquiry as Norton Canes caravan fire spreads to house
An investigation was under way today into the cause of a fire which spread from a caravan to a house in Staffordshire.
Almost 30 firefighters helped to tackle the blaze at the semi-detached property in Norton East Road, Norton Canes, after crews were called by neighbours at 3.27pm yesterday.
The fire destroyed a caravan at the rear of the property before spreading to the conservatory of the home.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Tim Hyde said it then spread into the roof space of the house.
He said fire crews forced entry into the property when they arrived, due to the residents not being home, but later chose to tackle the blaze from the outside because of the "unsafe" roof structure.
Mr Hyde said: "The roof is extensively damaged. All the rooms on all floors and the loft will have fire, smoke or water damage.
"There is a small amount of smoke and water damage to the adjoining property."
He said a fire investigation officer was trying to ascertain the cause of the blaze. One neighbour who saw the drama unfold said it had been "disconcerting". Father-of-two Bob Reddall, aged 57, said: "There was really thick, black smoke and I heard an explosion.
"It was horrendous. The horses grazing in the field at the back were whinnying."
Grandfather-of-two John Lote, 64, of Meadway Street, Burntwood, was visiting relatives on the street when the blaze started.
"We were sitting in the kitchen when we heard explosions and black smoke was billowing from there," he said. The road was partially cordoned off whist firefighters dealt with the incident.
