Man dies after devastating fire rips through his Derbyshire bungalow

Crews were called to the property in in Willow Avenue, off Pear Tree Drive, Shirebrook, yesterday where they found a 90-year-old man.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue said: “At 11.42, firefighters from Shirebrook, Bolsover, and Nottinghamshire’s Mansfield Station attended the incident and entered the bungalow wearing breathing apparatus to rescue the gentleman from the property.

“He was handed into the care of East Midlands Ambulance Service and taken to hospital. Sadly we were informed later yesterday that the gentleman had passed away.”

A joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire has determined that the most likely cause was deliberate ignition of combustible materials. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

Station Manager Chris Timons, who was the Officer in Charge at the incident, said: “Firefighters and Community Safety Officers are in the area this morning speaking to local residents about fire safety and providing reassurance following this devastating fatal fire.

“Once again we are appealing to people to check on elderly family, friends and neighbours, checking that they are safe and don’t feel isolated.

“Anyone with concerns regarding their own safety, or concerns about the safety of someone else can visit our website www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/safety where there is advice and information relating to safe and well visits and keeping safe.

“Finally I’d like to extend the thoughts and sympathy of everyone at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service to the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time.”

Anyone with information should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101, quoting reference 371 of January 7.