50 firefighters at Stafford flats fire

More than 50 firefighters were called to a blaze which gutted a flat above shops on a Stafford estate.

Six fire engines from Stafford, Rising Brook, Gnosall, Penkridge, Stone, Longton and Eccleshall were called to the fire above the Spar shop in West Way, Highfields at 11.50 last night.

As the fire crews arrived there were flames coming out from both the upstairs and downstairs windows of a maisonette.

The owner was out of the property on arrival and was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Stafford crew manager Geoff Owen said: "There was very little left of the flat."

Mr Owen said the fire had also started to spread to the bedroom of the neighbouring flat and some minor damage to the roof of the next door but one flat.

He added: "Everyone was out of the flats when we got there."

Part of the Highfields area was without electricity overnight as the firefighters wanted to ensure that none of them were electrocuted while making their way through the building.

Stafford station manager, Alan McEntire said: "You only have to look at how much damage has been caused to see that the man who lived in the flat had an extremely lucky escape. The fire was started accidentally and the most likely cause looks to be a discarded cigarette.

"We repeat this message time and time again, but it seems a lot of people don't appreciate how dangerous one small cigarette can be if it isn't put out properly. If you do insist on smoking indoors then always use a sturdy ash tray placed on a flat surface and ensure your cigarettes are fully out. The statistics speak for themselves; one person dies every three days in a fire caused by cigarettes."

The fire was eventually put out by 5am. This morning Staffordshire Fire and Rescue were assessing the flat and trying to work out what caused the blaze. It is thought the fire was started accidentally.

The Spar shop below the flat was forced to close as firefighters assessed the how safe the building upstairs is.

Kim Hall, who works in Martin's, the newsagents, next to Spar, said the electricity was on as normal when the shop was opened up at 6am and the business had been unaffected by the fire.