The terrifying moment when an elderly man emerges from the window of his block of retirement flats, apparently unaware that a large fire is engulfing the floor below him.
The resident remains at the window while the flames rage over him, and other residents prepare to flee.
As the flames engulfed the flats on the second floor, total evacuations were made of the Bournemouth building, Dorset.
These 21 elderly people were among those who needed to be saved by firemen, while three more received treatment at the scene due to smoke inhalation.
After being summoned shortly before 7.15am by a caller, 60 firefighters responded to the fire. Although the cause of the fire is unknown, it is believed that the incident was not suspicious.
Footage captures the resident (circled), remaining still at the window as flames rage over him, while others evacuate Bournemouth’s block of flats.
As the flames engulfed top-floor flats, the Bournemouth fire forced the evacuation of all 62 residents (pictured by the resident).
One resident of the home next to the blocks of flats described hearing the sound of “popping noises outside” when she woke up.
Ellie Milner explained to BBC, “We leapt up and gazed out of the window at this huge flame. The smell is incredible.”
The road is still closed, though the fire is under control. Firefighters continue their work through the night to keep the road safe.
A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: ‘Multiple crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have been tackling a roof fire in a block of flats on Poole Road, Bournemouth this morning
“We were summoned at 7.12am for a roof fire in a block.
We have teams from Westbourne to Springbourne, Redhill Park Redhill Park Ferndown, Ringwood and Ringwood as well two crews from Christchurch.
Pictured are emergency services at the scene. A further investigation is underway to determine the cause of today’s fire.
A ladder was used to tackle the flames. 21 of the occupants were elderly and needed to be saved by firefighters. Three others received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Fire crews are pictured at the scene as residents were evacuated from the building in Bournemouth, Dorset, following a blaze which took hold of the top floor flats
A woman in her 80s is seen at the scene. A fire crew said that residents will be offered shelter in the nearby Premier Inn Hotel.
“There’s also an aerial platform for Westbourne, and a Hamworthy support appliance. There were approximately 60 firefighters present.
“A total of 62% of residents were evacuated from the damaged area of the building. 21 firefighters saved them.
“Three individuals have sustained smoke inhalation. They were attended to by South Western Ambulance Service.
Following the blaze, many people gather around a police line. The fire department was called at 7.15am.
After being summoned shortly before 7.15am to tackle the fire, 60 firefighters responded. Although the cause of the fire is unknown, it is believed that the crews were not suspicious.
A fire service spokesperson said an investigation into the cause is ongoing. In the interim, residents will be offered shelter.
She added that the Premier Inn nearby has provided shelter for those who were forced to flee, while officers from BCP Council have also been available to help those who are in dire need.
“The fire has been contained, but firefighters will continue to fight the fire for the remainder of today. Poole Road will remain closed for several hours.
“A fire investigation will take place later in the day, but it is not believed that there are any unusual circumstances.”