Coventry home badly damaged in roof blaze

A SEVERE fire has devastated a Coventry home after flames tore through the roof of the property.

The house in Belgrave Road, Wyken, was well alight when firefighters arrived shortly before 8am on Tuesday, March 24.

A fire had broken out in a loft space.

Thankfully, all the residents had managed to escape.

Four crews from stations across the city worked to bring the flames under control but a large chunk of the roof has been destroyed and the property is severely damaged.

Two crews remain in attendance, and it is thought that they will remain in place until around 5pm to make sure that the fire is fully extinguished.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We received a 999 call at 7.57am to a property on Belgrave Road.

“We sent one engine from Coventry, one from Foleshill, and one from Binley, along with the brigade response vehicle from Foleshill - 18 firefighters in total.

“The first crew arrived within three-and-a-half minutes. On arrival we discovered a severe fire in a loft space.

“Six firefighters wore breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets were used, along with a covering jet.

“The occupiers had exited the property by the time that we had arrived, and we checked the neighbouring property for smoke.”

In a Tweet regarding this incident, Foleshill Fire Station included a link to a guide for those who are staying indoors as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Fire services are expecting to see more house fires as a result of people staying at home.

The guide, which is intended to keep houses fire free, and people safe, reads: “With more people staying at home, we are asking everyone to be extra careful, to avoid fires happening in the first place.

“If you’re at home because you’re ill or self-isolating, please take extra care if you’re cooking. Most house fires start in the kitchen. Always ‘Watch what you heat.’

“Switch off any electrical items you’re not using. If you use a charger, for a phone or laptop for example, don’t leave it plugged in and switched on when you’re asleep or not using it.

“And if you use a portable heater, remember not to put it close to things that could easily catch fire, like bedding, clothes, soft furnishings or curtains. If you smoke, be extra vigilant. Keep matches and lighters away from children, and double check that your cigarette is properly extinguished. Try not to smoke if you’ve been drinking alcohol, and avoid smoking in bed or if you’re feeling sleepy. If you can do so safely, smoke outdoors. Whenever possible, especially when you’re asleep, keep all internal doors closed. This helps to stop fire spreading.

“If a fire does happen, don’t be tempted to tackle it yourself. Get out (closing doors as you go), stay out and call 999.”