Elderly man rescued from house fire (From Times Series)

Elderly man rescued from house fire in Friern Barnet

9:13am Monday 8th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

An elderly man was rescued from a house fire in Friern Barnet this morning.

The fire brigade was called to Holly Park Road at 8.15am after neighbours heard the man calling for help.

Six fire engines and 30 firefighters attended the blaze and crews wearing breathing apparatus were required to lead the trapped man to safety.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire damaged the second floor and the roof of the building.

It is believed to have been caused by papers stacked next to a gas fire.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “There was no smoke alarm in the property so it is extremely lucky that the neighbours heard his cries of help and called the brigade.

“There was a huge amount of papers and other combustible items on the second floor.

“The fire is believed to have been caused by papers stacked next to a gas fire.

“People should try to avoid hoarding as it increases the chances of having a fire in the first place and intensifies the spread of fire if one does occur.”