Van fire spreads to caravan and house

Tuesday 3 November
22.54 Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, Bristol

A man has been taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after trying to help his neighbours during a fire at their home.

Firefighters were called after reports of a van on fire, but when they arrived they found the blaze had spread to a nearby caravan, house and garage.

Fortunately the 43-year-old man, who lives in the house, along with his 36-year-old wife and their 15-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter were all out of the property.

However the man and his son suffered slight burns to their hands and were treated by firefighters at the scene.

A 46-year-old neighbour who was trying to assist the family was suffering from smoke inhalation and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

It appears the family had been inside the house when they heard a loud bang and noticed the van on fire, which then quickly spread to the caravan, garage and house.

The van, a Vauxhall Vivaro, and the caravan were completely destroyed by the fire. The ground floor of the house was damaged by smoke inside and the facias and door were also affected by the fire, along with the garage door.

An investigation into how the fire started is due to take place later today.