Woman and two dogs escape fire in Alexander Drive, Milnrow

Fire at Alexander Drive, Milnrow on Saturday, 12 December

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A woman and her two dogs escaped as fire seriously damaged a house in Milnrow after a wood burning stove was left unattended.

Three fire engines from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to Alexander Drive, Milnrow, at 7.51am on Saturday, 12 December.

When they arrived, firefighters discovered a serious fire involving the conservatory and converted garage of a bungalow.

There were reports of someone possibly being inside so firefighters in breathing equipment went in and searched the property.

A woman and two dogs had managed to escape the bungalow unharmed.

Fire crew used hose reels, a jet and positive pressure ventilation fans to bring the fire under control.

Station Manager Bob Pownell, who was in charge of the incident, said: “There was a wood burning stove on in the garage – a large wooden structure that had been converted into a living room.

“The wood burner was left unattended with the door open and when the occupier left the room something from inside the fire jumped out onto the carpet and started a fire.

“It spread into the conservatory and when the woman came back she saw the fire and there was lots of smoke. The whole house has been badly damaged.”

Fire crew were on the scene throughout the morning making sure the fire was fully extinguished, dampening down and removing burnt parts of the conservatory and garage. They were in attendance for around three hours.

The chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “It’s now getting very cold outside and we all want to keep warm indoors but I would urge people to take care with open fires, candles and other naked flames and to never leave them unattended.

“Luckily this woman wasn’t injured but she now has to face the terrible damage caused to her home just before Christmas.”

GMFRS has contacted the British Red Cross’ Fire and Emergency Support Service to see if any further support can be provided to the occupier.