Firefighters, who were alerted to the blaze by a passer-by that spotted smoke billowing from the window, had to force their way into the town property wearing breathing equipment.

They used a high pressure jet to extinguish the fire. A male casualty was found in the flat and carried out by firefighters.

firecolomberie.JPG

Pictured: The Fire and Rescue team used a high pressure jet to put out the blaze. (Jersey Fire and Rescue Service)

He was given emergency first aid on the scene, before being taken to hospital by paramedics.

The flat did not have a working smoke alarm, leading Station Commander Ryan Hall to issue a warning that the outcome of the incident could have been very different had it not been for the passer-by that called 999 and saved firefighters “valuable seconds” by remaining on scene to direct them to the flat.

“Despite being private or rental accommodation it is absolutely vital that every home has a working smoke detection,” the Station Commander said.