Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were called to a fire in a flat above a shop on Whitecross Road, Hereford at 02:35 on Tuesday morning (30th June). Four fire appliances from Hereford (2), Fownhope and Ewyas Harold were deployed to the incident and on arrival fire fighters were faced with a severe fire that had engulfed the first floor flat and the roof.

The flat and neighbouring properties were evacuated and, although the occupier was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, thankfully nobody was severely hurt. Multiple crews wearing breathing apparatus were committed to the property to deal with an intense fire and prevent it spreading to adjoining flats and shops. Access was gained to the flat and the rear of the property, enabling fire crews to quickly bring the fire under control.

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".

Police and ambulance crews were also quickly on the scene and all three services worked well together to control the incident.

Fire crews will remain at the scene today to ensure that all hot spots are extinguished and a fire investigation officer will be working with the police to investigate how the fire started.