FLAMES leapt 50 ft in the air when the garage of La Lipende, a 19th century home in St John, caught fire yesterday morning.
The fire at the home of Tim and Susie Pearce was particularly dangerous because asbestos roof tiles were exploding as firefighters were tackling the blaze.
When officers had finished, they had to undergo decontamination to prevent the asbestos fibres being breathed in.
The prompt actions of neighbour Graeme Butcher, who is a member of the St John honorary police, probably prevented more serious damage being caused.
The cause of the fire is thought to have been an electrical fault in a refrigerator.
Article posted on 3rd August, 2004 - 12.00am
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