Heroic rescue sees unconscious man pulled from a burning building

The fire service says the call had been delayed because the semi-detached house, in Masonwood, Fulwood, did not have a fitted smoke alarm and the man is being treated at Royal Preston Hospital.

Two fire engines from Preston and Fulwood arrived at the scene at 11pm last night and were informed by neighbours the house owner was still inside.

Another engine was called for before breaking down the door and entering with breathing apparatus to find the fire in the ground floor living room.

The fire was then extinguished as other members of the crew searched the property for the occupier.

He was found in the corner of the first floor bedroom and was carried outside by firefighters. There they proceeded to check his vital signs and give first aid as well as oxygen.

North West Ambulance Service then arrived and the man was taken to hospital, still unconscious.

Watch manager at Preston Fire Service, Dave Robinson, said: “The fire itself wasn’t particularly big and didn’t cause much damage but because no smoke alarm was fitted, a large amount of smoke was in the house before any alarm was raised. The fire is not being treated as suspicious at the moment but an investigation will begin at 10am this morning.”

A Lancashire Fire Service spokesman said the house not having a smoke alarm “put the occupier in serious danger. A fitted and working smoke alarm will save lives.”

The investigation will be carried out by the fire service alongside Lancashire Police and the man is being treated for smoke inhalation.