An investigation is underway after an elderly man 'collapsed outside his house' having suffered burns in a fire.
The man, believed to be in his 70s, managed to escape the blaze at the property on Ashfield Avenue, Atherton, before falling to the ground outside on Friday morning (April 24).
He has been taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "He can't really walk, I have been looking after him for the last 12 months.
"He came out of the house and he collapsed on the floor.
"His bedroom is all burnt. His mattress has been destroyed."
Neighbour Keith Lindsey said: "It is a disaster what has happened. It could have been so much worse.
"It is only by the grace of God that he managed to stagger out the front door and collapse in his front garden."
Norman Drake, said: "It makes all the neighbours worried for their own safety. A fire could spread so easily to other houses.
"What if you cannot get from your bedroom to your door?"
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were scrambled to the street at 9.19am.
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchestre Fire and Rescue Service have launched an investigation.
Crime Scene Investigation and fire service dogs were seen at the house.
Station manager Jim Bridge said: "We are investigating the fire. The cause is currently unclear.
"One adult male was rescued by a neighbour - he was treated at the scene by the fire service and the ambulance service.
"He has been taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary."
