Pensioners flee burning homes in fire drama

Pensioners were evacuated from their homes as a fire broke out in Child's Hill in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday). Some 30 elderly residents of Garth House, on Granville Road, fled in their nightshirts as the blaze caused the roof to cave in an

PENSIONERS were evacuated from their homes as a fire broke out in Child's Hill in the early hours yesterday morning (Sunday).

Some 30 elderly residents of Garth House, on Granville Road, fled in their nightshirts as the blaze caused the roof to cave in and gutted the top floor of their sheltered housing.

More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines rushed to battle the flames at 4am on Sunday morning.

"It's a scene of devastation," said Child's Hill councillor Jack Cohen. "I can't see the residents ever returning. "Many are elderly and confused by events, leaving the scene in their nightclothes. I am worried by how the residents are going to be relocated. They don't know if it's safe to return to get their possessions."

Many of the residents have been relocated to the Rosa Freedman Centre, in Claremont Way, while the cause of the fire is under investigation.