MP enters burning home in rescue bid after pet sparks fire

AN MP kicked down the door of a house after a pet rabbit sparked a blaze.

Newcastle MP Paul Farrelly had parked his car outside the house in Chapel Street, Bignall End, while he handed out leaflets.

When he returned at about 1pm on Sunday, he noticed the smoke-filled house and neighbours standing on the street. They had already called the fire service, but did not know if there was anyone inside the building.

Mr Farrelly, pictured, forced his way through the front door and, covering his nose and mouth with a wet scarf, began to search for occupants.

There was nobody in the building and the pet rabbit which had started the fire by knocking over a halogen heater didn't survive.

Mr Farrelly said: "The house was filled with billowing black smoke. It was impossible to see anything through the windows so I broke the door down.

"But the smoke was just too thick. I had to go outside and wait for the fire service.

"It was not the usual end to a morning's election work. Fortunately no-one was hurt."

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire appeared to have been started by the pet. Two appliances from Newcastle were called out and four firefighters tackled the flames wearing breathing apparatus and using a hose reel jet.

Mick Daniel, assistant area commander, said: "The fire caused severe damage to the living room while the rest of the property was badly damaged by smoke.

"Although it was a commendable act, people should never enter a smoke filled house. Do not place yourself in danger, leave it to the experts."

He said the occupant, who was out at the time, had left a portable heater switched on in the living room while a pet rabbit roamed free from his cage. It is believed the rabbit knocked the heater over onto the carpet which ignited, spreading flames to a nearby chair.