Man who lost 'everything' in Telford house fire: 'I have my clothes, my phone, and that's about it'

A resident involved in a major fire in Telford on Wednesday has spoken of the moment his home in Lawns Wood, Malinslee, was involved in a blaze that threatened to spread to the entire row of five terraced houses.

The man did not wish to be named but said he has lived in the community for many years with his partner where their children grew up and created memories.

"My wife heard it, something woke her up, the dogs were going a bit mad," he said. The incident was first reported to the fire service at about 4.30am.

"She saw flames through the window and we knew we had to get out straight away," he added.

After taking the dogs to family nearby they saw with dismay that the roof was on fire.

A major emergency response was soon on the scene, with six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform sent as the scale of the incident became clear. Many calls were made to the Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service fire control and firefighters at the scene praised the way fire control call handlers managed it.

"There is nothing you can do," the man said as he was waiting for news on being rehoused by the Wrekin Housing Trust.

"I hope we will be able to stay in the area," he said.

He added that his family is rallying round to help and praised his neighbours for their actions.

Local resident Ben Thomas, aged 48, is a team leader at Telford International Centre and has been trained in fire safety as part of his work.

Mr Thomas said: "My dog Coco was barking and we heard a bang. I got up and went round in my pyjamas to the neighbours' doors banging and shouting to alert them. Some people went back to bed but that always happens. The police and fire service arrived and I left it to them."