A man whose house was completely destroyed by a devastating fire remains in hospital being treated for smoke inhalation as the community where the blaze happened has begun to rally round in support. Flames were visible leaping out of the roof of property in Lime Street in Gorseinon, Swansea, on the morning of Valentine's Day.
Police closed the road and five fire crews were at the scene for hours as they fought to bring the fire under control. The homes either side of the property were evacuated with the male resident living at the house taken to hospital by ambulance while three others were advised to self-present to A&E.
The dramatic incident caused much concern in the close-knit community, which has already started coming together to think of ways to help the man affected who it is understood has had all his possessions destroyed as a result of the fire. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
READ MORE: One person taken to hospital after large fire tears through roof of home
Mike Tiley, who runs SOS Shelters Wales, also based along Lime Street in Gorseinon, has said he intends to start a GoFundMe page once the man is released from hospital and it becomes clear what is needed to help him. He said on Wednesday: "He was taken in for precautionary measures and I spoke to him yesterday and they are cleaning his eyes and helping him for smoke inhalation. There is no immediate life-threatening danger. There will be a fundraiser to help him in future but not at the moment because we have to find out the proper circumstances and what's needed.
"We don't want to jump all over him at the moment because when something like that happens to you it's devastating. I think everything he had has gone. There has been hundreds and hundreds of offers and messages from people wanting to help – businesses, all sorts. Gorseinon is an amazing community and people will do their bit when the time comes. It's pointless taking things we think he might need at the moment – we've got to wait. People have offered clothing, beds, all sorts. We're going to set him up when the time comes."
Other businesses have also stepped forward and announced their intention to help. Altan Plumbing and Heating has said it will be offering its services free of charge to get the home back up and running. Super-fix Property Maintenance has also pledged its support.
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire Service said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined. A statement added: "At 8.16am on Tuesday, February 14, crews from Gorseinon, Morriston, Swansea Central, Tumble, and Llanelli were called to an incident in Gorseinon. Crews attended a fire at a domestic property measuring 5mx15m with the first floor and attic space well alight on arrival. Four hose reel jets, 10 breathing apparatus sets, one 13m ladder, one 7m ladder, two short extension ladders, one roof ladder, and three thermal imaging cameras were used.
"At least nine neighbouring properties were evacuated. When the fire was extinguished crews continued to monitor and dampen down for several hours. The casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance with a further three casualties advised to self-present to A&E."
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