Crew helmets melt as couple rescued

Dec 26 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

FAULTY Christmas lights were the likely cause of an intense house fire that left a man fighting for life.

Tommy Robinson, 60, leapt from a first floor-window to escape the blaze as it ripped through the property.

He suffered serious head injuries in the fall and was last night critical but stable in intensive care at Newcastle General Hospital.

His wife Carol, 61, also needed hospital treatment after inhaling smoke, but was discharged yesterday.

Fire crews last night said the blaze, which started early on Tuesday, was so severe their helmets started melting in temperatures touching 400C.

They said the fire had been caused by an electrical fault, with Christmas lights the likely culprit.

Mr and Mrs Robinson were seen at separate upstairs windows at their home in Woodland View, West Rainton, County Durham, as the fire raged.

Shortly after her husband’s leap, Mrs Robinson was rescued by fire crews and the couple were taken to the University Hospital of North Durham. He was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital.

One firefighter was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Station manager Steve Cummings said the fire had probably been caused by an electrical fault. “We carried out a joint investigation with the CSI and we got information from the family that there was a fibre optic Christmas tree in an area of the room and some other appliance also left switched on in that area.

“We can’t say for definite which one was responsible. But we decided there was no foul play – it was an accident.

“The general advice I’d give to people is to make sure their circuits aren’t overloaded and make sure things are switched off.”

Mr Cummings said Mr Robinson had jumped just as fire crews were putting up a ladder to reach him.

He also revealed there was no smoke alarm in the house and praised fire crews for their bravery.

Mr Cummings said: “The crews did a very good job. It was a severe fire.

“The protective clothing of two of the crew members had to be replaced, it was so severe.”

A police spokesman said: “It’s suspected that Christmas lights started the fire. A male has jumped from a first floor window, striking the floor, causing severe head injuries.

“The fire brigade removed the woman from the upstairs window and they were taken to the University Hospital of North Durham.

“The indication is that the fire was not suspicious.”