A COTTAGE has been left severely damaged after a chip pan exploded, sparking a major fire.

Fire crews from across Wiltshire helped tackle the blaze in Cocklebury Lane, Chippenham.

The homeowner was alone in the house when the fire started and was treated by paramedics and later given shelter by neighbours.

This week he was still searching for one of his four beloved cats, which went missing during the drama.

One witness said: “The emergency services arrived very quickly but by then the flames were coming out of the roof.”

By the time firefighters, ambulance and police arrived the man who owns the cottage, whose name has not been released, had fled from the cottage. He was given oxygen by paramedics.

A neighbour said: “He was very worried about his cats. Three of them were found but another one wasn’t around and he wanted to go back into the house to look for it.”

The cat was later seen in the area near the cottage.

Following the blaze last Thursday evening a fire service spokesman said: “It is believed that the fire started accidentally as a result of unattended cooking in the kitchen.

“Fortunately, a working smoke alarm alerted the occupier, who attempted to extinguish the fire before the arrival of firefighters.”

People living close to the cottage first saw smoke and flames coming from the building just before 7.30pm.

Staff at the next door care home for adults with learning difficulties were worried that they might have to evacuate, and quickly put emergency procedures into place so they would be able to get out of the narrow driveway.

The man was looked after by neighbours, who also kept firefighters supplied with hot drinks and provided a base for the Red Cross.

The homeowner’s son, 21, returned home a while later to find the house ablaze.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Two crews from Chippenham and one from Corsham were initially mobilised, but a quick decision was made to increase firefighter attendance in order to protect the neighbouring property.

“This tactic was successful, with only slight damage to the roof. At the height of the incident, there were eight fire engines on scene, with further resources coming from Calne, Malmesbury, Westlea, Trowbridge and Swindon, supported by an incident command vehicle from Devizes, a water carrier from Royal Wootton Bassett and an operational support unit from Swindon.

“Volunteers from the British Red Cross emergency response service attended to provide support to the occupier.

“A watching brief was maintained overnight by crews from Melksham, Bradford on Avon and Royal Wootton Bassett.”

Chippenham Station Manager Wayne Jones said: “Thankfully, this property had a working smoke alarm and the occupant was able to escape the building and alert neighbours before fire crews arrived, but the damage to his home is severe.”