Man hospitalised in cigarette fire

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Fire Appliance

An elderly man has been rushed to hospital after causing a fire with a discarded cigarette.

Crews attended a bungalow on Mentmore Road, Firgrove, at 9.00am this morning (Monday 1 June), to extinguish a mattress which was alight in the bedroom, causing fire and smoke damage to the room.

Two fire engines attended the scene and used two pumps to put the fire out.

The 63-year-old man suffered burns to his arms and chest, and has been taken to Rochdale Infirmary for treatment.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Two appliances from Rochdale Fire Station arrived at the address this morning, but it appears the fire started before that.

“The man involved had discarded a cigarette on the bed.”

“I’d like to urge everyone to be very careful with smoking materials, and to make sure all cigarettes are fully extinguished in an ashtray. Leaving them unattended can have devastating consequences.”