Blipping Heck!

3 p.m walking the dog, minding my own business, looking for a blip, when I heard what sounded like a firework in the distance.

3.01 p.m. Boom! a loud explosion and a cloud of black smoke heading skyward.

"Blipping heck, " I said to the dog. "That looks like it's coming from our cottage."

Ignoring the countryside code, we ran across the fields towards home.

3.05 p.m. As we got closer I could see flames higher than my chimney pots, but the cottage looked intact. The central heating oil tank is right next to the cottage and I do worry about its location.

3.07 p.m. I could hear sirens, as I ran I formulated a plan, get the car off the drive away from the house, shut the dog in it. They are the two most important things (Sorry cat!)

3.08. p.m. Arrived home and could see the flames were from Mellors' outbuildings - about 30 yards beyond my cottage, but the wind was blowing them towards me and the cottage. Assessed safety, unlocked the cottage door, got car keys and drove it away, with dog inside.

3.10 p.m. Ran round to Mellors' and Richard the artist's houses, checked everyone was OK. Fire Brigade already had one hose on the fire.

Only then did I think to take a photo. Obviously I'm not cut out to be a photo-journalist when I grow up.

My cottage is about 30 yards, beyond the fire in this shot.

We are all fine.

4 Fire engines were in attendance, one was used to ferry water from the nearest hydrant (about a mile away)

Mellors' boots are a bit melted and his trousers are singed where he tried to stamp out the fire, but he was soon beaten back by the flames.

5 Buildings in total have been burnt to the ground. The fire spread incredibly rapidly. 3 cockerels perished, the other 30 or so birds were let out and will have to be rounded up later. All the machinery, equipment and tools have been destroyed.

Richard's car was nearly engulfed as he was out and had the only set of keys with him. His mate got him back PDQ and he moved it just in time.

6.00 p.m. One fire engine and crew remains, damping down. My cottage stinks of smoke, as several windows were open.

The fire was started when Mellors drove his sit on mower into the shed, and as he got off it, he accidentally kicked over a can of petrol. The heat of the mower engine/exhaust pipe was enough to ignite the petrol fumes.

On the upside there was a valid excuse to stand and watch a dozen or so hunky men in various states of dress - and later undress (ish - well T shirts & trousers) for an hour or so.
Richard suggested I played 'The Stripper' on my phone to further encourage them!

To end on a serious note. These guys are amazing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Without your prompt and professional action there could have also been a little cottage in the woods burnt to the ground and I would be telling a very different tale.

It's Keep - up-Keith's birthday, so I'm off to the pub for a well needed drink in a little while.