'My rottweiler saved me from fire'

11 hours ago

Sarah-May Buccieriin Washingborough

News image — Martin Taylor says Erik's barking alerted him to the fire at his Lincolnshire farm

Sarah-May Buccieri / BBC Martin Taylor with his hands around his Rottweiler dog who is standing in front of him. Martin has a shaved head and is wearing glasses and a beige coat with dark trousers — Martin Taylor says Erik's barking alerted him to the fire at his Lincolnshire farm

A farmer says his dog saved his life when a fire broke out, badly damaging part of his property.

Martin Taylor, 52, said Erik's barking woke him up just before the blaze ignited a gas cylinder that destroyed the caravan where he was sleeping. He said the four-year-old rottweiler was "my hero".

He said he believed the fire on Monday at Middle World Farms, near Washingborough, was caused by a barbecue that had not been extinguished.

A Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said three crews attended shortly before 08:30 BST on 1 June, and added the blaze was "caused accidentally by embers from a previous controlled burn igniting and spreading".

"Eric saved my life," Taylor said.

"This whole area went up so quick. Literally from the time from my starting to attack it with a hose-pipe to the whole site ablaze was less than 10 minutes.

"Behind the staff canteen there was a 47 kilo gas bottle that exploded and just engulfed all three caravans in a ball of fire."

The farm, established about seven years ago, produces vegetable boxes and eggs.

Sarah-May Buccieri / BBC View of the aftermath of the fire with the charred remains of several structures and burnt furniture and electrical equipment on the ground. In the distance is a van and caravan parked by a row of trees — The fire destroyed caravans and a number of buildings at the farm near Washingborough

The fire destroyed a number of buildings, including the office, containing computers and electronic equipment.

Taylor said he was in the process of arranging a new insurance policy and was not covered at the time of the fire.

"I was hoping that the insurance would finally come through this week, but of course it was too late," he said.

"So I don't know how we're going to come back from it."

The fire service confirmed there was "significant damage" to a cabin, greenhouse, caravans, and log store.

A spokesperson said: "If you do come across a fire, make sure to get yourself to safety, call 999 and ask for the fire service. Never try and fight a fire yourself."

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