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Marcus Sealey in his blackened kitchen

A TAUNTON man says he is lucky to be alive after fire raged through his flat.

Fire crews were called to Michael Sealey's home in Russett Road just after 10pm on Sunday night after a neighbour raised the alarm.

Speaking to the County Gazette amid the blackened remains of his kitchen, Mr Sealey said he fell asleep after putting on a chip pan.

He said: "The fire had spread across the whole of the flat, even to the bathroom.

"I was confused when the firefighters found me.

"I can't remember if they pulled me out through the window or out through the door, I don't remember anything, it must be the shock."

Mr Sealey suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene by ambulance crews and then taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

He added: "I'm lucky to be alive.

"I would like to thank the firemen and the ambulance service for all their help - I was very lucky; without them I do not think I would be here."

At the scene of the blaze, a neighbour of Mr Sealey's, who did not wish to be named, told the County Gazette: "I was asleep but woke up to hear the smoke alarms going off.

"When I came out of my flat, smoke was everywhere - all in the hallway - and a neighbour shouted up to say she had called the fire service."

Paul Slaven, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "If you do have a chip pan fire, we do not recommend anybody tries to put it out themselves.

"Our advice is get out, and call the fire brigade."

9:27pm Friday 16th May 2008

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