A MAN is lucky to be alive after fire ripped through his home Wednesday morning.

It is believed that the 29- year-old was asleep in the living room of Corn Mill Cottage in Weobley when the fire started in the kitchen shortly after midnight. He is now in a specialist oxygen chamber at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth suffering smoke inhalation.

Firefighters found him unconscious in the living room and battled to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived. He was taken to Hereford County Hospital and then moved to Devon.

“He is lucky to be alive,” said Phil Major, station officer at Hereford Fire Station, who led the emergency operation.

“The living room was severely smoke-logged and three crews used breathing apparatus to enter the property.” The fire spread to a bedroom and attic, causing significant damage.

Alec Mackie, press officer with Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, said crews who were contacted by neighbours also saved some dogs from the village home.

Firefighters also helped a family living next door to flee their home after smoke got into their attic.