CARAVAN BEING USED AS A HOME DESTROYED IN FIRE
A caravan in which a man was living has been completely destroyed in a fire.
Firefighters and police were called to Union Road, St Philips, Bristol, at around 20.35 BST on Sunday.
The owner of the mobile home reportedly suffered minor injuries, but all his possessions were destroyed.
An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said flames started inside the caravan, but due to "extensive damage" the cause of the fire cannot be determined.
The caravan was parked near a cycle path and houses
Julie Chatzimargioti, whose garden sits close to the caravan, said her family was ready to evacuate if the blaze spread.
"We were very worried, my kids had their shoes on ready to leave," she said. "The fire brigade got there very quickly."
She said she is now worried another van will pitch up in the same place.
"We have already had a bus there. It's not a safe place for someone to live."
'Big boom'
Neighbour Mohammed Fathalrahon said it was a big shock to the local community.
"My son heard and watched it all," he said. "There was a big 'boom' and he went to look out the window.
"There were lots of firemen and police cars. It took around 40 minutes for them to put it out.
"We weren't worried it would spread because the firemen got there so quickly."
A witness told BBC Bristol the caravan owner is recovering in hospital.
The Avon Fire and Rescue spokeswoman added: "On arrival, crews from Bedminster, Southmead and Avonmouth found a caravan and a large amount of rubbish on fire.
"Firefighters tackled the blaze using two high-pressure hose reels and four 45mm covering jets.
"Thermal imaging cameras and gas monitors were also used. Five firefighters wore breathing apparatus for safety."
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2024-04-23T10:32:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd