Thornton log burner inferno prompts safety call

Among the smoking debris stands the log-burner blamed for the blaze, which saw firefighters from across the Fylde coast called out to battle it on Saturday night.

The major incident, which saw part of the large detached Thornton home’s roof cut off in a bid to stop the fire spreading, has now prompted a safety call as the cold weather draws in.

Community protection manager for Blackpool and the Fylde coast, Phil Jones, shared pictures of the destruction on Twitter and said: “Attended a serious fire at a house.

“Log burner spread to wooden and pvc outbuildings.

“The fire spread to the rear/roof of house.

“As you can see, extensive damage caused to the property. Make sure heat sources are extinguished before going to bed.

“Please be careful if using a BBQ, log burner or bonfire on your land. Keep away from buildings and don’t leave unattended.”

Two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) appliance from Blackpool, and a fire engine each from Bispham and Fleetwood were called to Welburn Walk following a 999 call, shortly before 10pm.

The outbuilding, understood to be built from wood and plastic, was well alight by the time crews arrived.

Hoses were attached to hydrants and snaked down the street as firefighters battled the flames, which left the night sky glowing orange.

The home’s occupants were unharmed, but had to watch on from across the road as the ALP was used to remove part of the roof and dampen down the burning timber inside with water.

Fire service spokesman John Taylor said Saturday’s fire remains under investigation, but spoke in generic terms about the importance of making sure all fires are safe to use and well-maintained.

He said: “The installation has to be right and the fuel they burn is not soft wood, which tends to leave a sticky residue in flues.

“Chimneys should also be swept often. There’s a checklist to do.”

As with gas fires, users of log burners – which are becoming increasingly popular – also run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Detectors, which alert homeowners to the odourless gas, are available from most DIY shops.