OAP claims firefighters failed to spot roof blaze

A pensioner is suing fire chiefs over claims bungling firefighters failed to spot the blaze that gutted his home.

Grandad-of-three George Stewart, from Bonhill near Dumbarton, has launched legal proceedings against the newly formed national fire service following the inferno a day after they formed.

He claims a fire crew failed to properly inspect his home when they were first called out after smoke was spotted bellowing from it only for them to return an hour later to battle in vain to tackle an out-of-control blaze.

The fire left the 83-year-old homeless.

In a further twist, heartless thieves broke in a few hours later, and made off with thousands of pounds worth of electronic equipment.

Last night George, who has lived at the property for 42 years, said: “I’ve always thought it was morally wrong to sue public bodies.

“But if they’d done their jobs properly none of this would have happened.

“All I want is to recover the cost of the damage done.”

On April 2, cycling enthusiast George had been watching a bike race on TV when he claims two passing police officers alerted him to smoke pouring out of his chimney.

The worried cops had already phoned 999 and a fire crew turned up minutes later.

George, who used to write sketches for BBC comedy radio show Naked Radio, said: “I live in an old property which dates back 175 years and it has a wood burning stove and chimney.

“I light it every day as it heats the house.

“After the police chapped the door I immediately doused the fire and then the fire brigade turned up.

“When they got here, just one of them got out of the fire engine and had a cursory look round.

“He said it looked fine and off they went.”

But just over an hour later, a passer-by knocked on George’s door and said flames were now leaping out of his roof.

George said: “I couldn’t believe it.

“I went out and, sure enough, my roof was on fire.

“The walls were roasting hot and the flames were licking the building.

“I think there was obviously a fire in my chimney that hadn’t been spotted when they first came out.

“They were called again and again arrived promptly but by then it was too late.

“It’s left my house a shell and I’m now living with a friend.

“I wasn’t insured and I’ve been left £6,500 out of pocket.

“It’s been horrific.”

George claims he’s been told that the initial fire crew missed six steps in checking his home was safe.

His lawyer, Cameron Fyfe of Drummond Miller, said: “We are seeking to recover the cost of replacing the roof.

“It’s a matter of law that the fire service have duty of care to the public and in that light we’re seeking to recover the loss.

“Suing the fire service is always difficult, but we think we have a strong case.”

A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are aware of this matter and there is an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.

“Details about it have been passed to our legal department and insurers to carry out further inquiries.”