Man rescued from house as sofa goes up in flames

A man was rescued from a fire at his home after a passer-by and a policeman jumped in to help.

Taffy Prosser and Sergeant Carl Jones helped the man escape from his flat in Grenville Road, Dines Green, Worcester at about 3pm on Wednesday.

Mr Prosser who was flagged down by a neighbour said: “He was telling me to leave him and I said, ‘no way’. Then the sergeant came in to the flat and helped me and we just got him out. We had to find something to put him on so we got this commode. I couldn’t see anything, but we got him out. I was trying to find him and I could hear his voice. It was scary. A lot goes through your mind.”

The duo had to break down the front room door and get the burning sofa out of the building in an attempt to stop the fire spreading further.

Sgt Carl Jones said: “People will come together to help their neighbours. I was just pleased [Mr Prosser] was there and we were able to get the guy out. It was a big relief and I’m told he’s on the mend.”

Neighbour, Mrs Thomas praised the pair for their bravery: “They deserve an award. It was horrendous really. It was a bit of luck [Mr Prosser] was coming by because I couldn’t get [Mr Johns] out. I’ve never known anyone so brave.”

Watch Commander Dave Smith, from the local fire service said: “The fire involved an older style foam-filled sofa that did not conform to British Standards for domestic furniture and the smoke it gave off was dense and highly toxic. Those involved in the rescue undoubtedly saved the man’s life.”

He also reminded people that upholstered furniture sold in the UK after 1988 must conform to fire safety guidelines and urged everyone to check that their own sofas and armchairs do comply with these regulations.

All were taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Mr Prosser, Mrs Thomas and Sgt Jones were all discharged that evening, while Mr Johns remains in hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.