Goats and chickens rescued as three homes catch fire

The fire spread to three homes and other outbuildings in Pembroke Avenue, Luton yesterday evening (4 May).

Fire Control received a call at 17.06 about a fire in the back garden of a property in Pembroke Avenue and initially sent two fire engines from Luton Community Fire Station to the scene. When Firefighters arrived nine minutes later they found the fire well established in the back garden of the terraced house and rapidly spreading to the rear of not only that property but also the two terraced houses connected to it.

There were also two goats and several chickens in the garden and several LPG gas cylinders, which caused further risks to Firefighters, property and residents.

Firefighters cooled the LGP cylinders and attacked the fire that had had spread to a brick out-building in the garden of the property. They also called for a third fire engine from Stopsley Community Fire Station and the Aerial Platform from Luton which used its water monitor to cool the roofs of the three buildings to control fire spread.

The fire was well developed and took a while to control. When it was out Firefighters then spent time damping down to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. In the process they had rescued the two goats from the garden and released a number of chickens, enabling them to escape from the fire.The fire destroyed the outhouse in the garden and another one next door. It also caused serious heat and fire damage to the rear of the property and to the homes each side.

Station Commander Trevor Gradwell-Smith said: “The quick actions of the fire crew prevented this serious fire from becoming much, much worse. I’d like to congratulate them on their swift actions.

“When fire crews arrived the fire was starting to spread to the house and those of the neighbours. Rapid action by Fire Crews prevented further spread into the eaves and through the windows of the building where it could have caused serious damage and endangered the lives and homes of those living nearby.

“With the summer months approaching Bedfordshire Fire Service would like to take this opportunity to emphasise how fires outdoors can be unpredictable and quickly become threatening and out of control.

“People should avoid having bonfires in their back gardens and should certainly not leave bonfires burning when they leave the premises. Householders should ensure that their gardens are kept free of debris that could help spread a fire. Our message to the public is ‘don’t play with fire’.”A police investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched. Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting incident number 297 of 4 May.