Fire crews from Stevenage, Hitchin and Hertford were all involved in last night’s major operation in Cavell Walk, Stevenage.

An incident report posted by assistant chief officer Ian Parkhouse reveals that four crews responded, with the first arriving on the scene within five minutes of the first 999 call.

According to the Herts Fire & Rescue control room, the first crew were hitting the road to reach the scene only 18 seconds after the alarm was raised.

Mr Parkhouse said that the first team on the scene were confronted with a serious fire affecting the first and second floor of a semi-detached home which had also been severely damaged by an explosion.

They quickly discovered and rescued a man who had been involved in the explosion and was found half-buried under building debris and rubble.

The fire and rescue staff gave initial medical care before passing him on to ambulance staff, who gave further treatment and took him to hospital.

He added: “Due to concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building, the fire was tackled by crews wearing breathing apparatus and using firefighting jets from external positions.

“No further casualties were involved in the incident. A structural engineer and utility companies have been requested to attend the scene.”

Crews remained at the address overnight damping down the scene, and an investigation will begin to determine the cause and origin of the fire this morning.