House fire in Ladybridge sparked by teen lighting cigarette with blow torch

George Bostock and his 81-year-old grandmother made a lucky escape from the late night fire at the detached house in Laxford Grove, off Armadale Road, Ladybridge, which had just been sold.

The 18-year-old had been attempting to light a cigarette with a blow torch, as his lighter had not been working, when it burst into flames. 

He threw the blow torch across his bedroom but the fire quickly caught, spreading to his bedding, and engulfed the room.

Mr Bostock said: "The fire started when the blow torch I was using to smoke, as there was no lighter, set on fire, so I threw it.

"My first thought was to get the kettle that was in my room and I ran downstairs to fill it, but by the time I got back upstairs it was filled with black smoke.

"My nan was in the room next door so I rushed in to get her and dashed out of the house with her and her small dog as the house was filling up with smoke. It was frightening."

 
Neither Mr Bostock nor his grandmother, Doris Curtis-Moore, were injured in the blaze, however both were taken to hospital to ensure that they were not suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide inhalation.

The bedroom and bathroom were badly damaged, and the rest of the first floor was smoke damaged.

Firefighters waged a three-hour battle to combat the flames and smoke, to prevent them from spreading, as well as deal with fire debris and secure the building.

Tonny McKenna, watch manager at Bolton Central, said that the fire was “well-developed” by the time firefighters arrived at around 11.45pm.

He added: “Two firefighters entered the building with a hose reel and managed to stop the spread of fire going from the bedroom to the roof. There was extensive fire damage to the first floor.”

Mr Bostock and his grandmother are now temporarily staying in a motel. 

He returned to the house today after sleeping in his car to clean up and fetch some essential items and medication. 

The detached property had been on the market, and Mr Bostock and Ms Curtis-Moore were hoping to move out and relocate in a few weeks time.

Mr Bostock said: "The house was up for sale and we were moving out in a few weeks but that's obviously going to be delayed now."

 
Fire crews confirmed that the property had working smoke alarms and they will be going to the house and the surrounding area in the next few days to offer safe and well visits.

Watch manager McKenna said: “If people need free smoke alarms fitted, they can call 0800 555 815.”