FIRE crews are still at the scene of a blaze that ripped through a first floor flat in Hereford early this morning.
Police and fire investigators cannot start work at the scene until it has been made safe.
The immediate concern is over “hot spots” still to be extinguished.
Crews from Hereford, Fownhope and Ewyas Harold were scranmbled to the blaze above a shop in Whitecross Road just after 2.30 this morning.
The first appliance to arrive was faced with a “severe” fire that had engulfed the first floor flat and roof – and so bad neighbouring properties had to be immediately evacuated.
Access was gained to the flat and the rear of the property, enabling fire crews to quickly bring the fire under control.
Although the occupier was taken to hospital - suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation - nobody was severely hurt.
Station Commander Sean Bailey said: “The prompt and decisive action taken by the crews who attended this incident prevented the fire spreading, which could have potentially destroyed several homes and businesses”.
A fire investigation officer will be working with police to investigate how the fire started.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here