VIDEO: Police and fire chiefs continue to probe “horrendous” Derbyshire fire

Police say the blaze, which is believed to have started in the living room of a house on Devonshire Road East, Hasland, is not being treated as suspicious.

The 59-year-old man, who was in the property at the time of the “horrendous” fire, is in a serious but stable condition at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

A spokesman for Derbyshire police said: “Officers are still investigating the circumstances but we believe that an accelerant was used to start a fire in the living room.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

Firefighters from Chesterfield, Staveley and Clay Cross were called to the “horrendous” blaze on Devonshire Road East, Hasland, at about 5.30pm on Friday.

Crews used the aerial ladder platform and several jets to fight the fire – as a huge plume of smoke billowed into the sky.

Neighbours reported hearing “large explosions” and seeing “lots of smoke”.

Sonia Ward, who lives on nearby Hasland Road, said: “It was very scary.

“The speed at which the fire took hold was frightening.

“Thick, belching smoke was billowing out into the road.

“I saw a man come from the house with a towel over his head and neighbours comforted him until paramedics arrived.

“I hope he’s alright.

“The house is extensively damaged.”

Julia Greatorex said: “The fire looked horrendous.

“I drove past before the emergency services arrived and there were flames coming out of the downstairs windows.

“The window frame just melted and fell off.”

Victoria Bramley said: “I could smell burning in my back garden on Spital Brook Close.

“I thought it was a bonfire.”

Caroline Brough said: “There was a big explosion and debris fell on to my mum and dad’s conservatory.”

Another resident said: “It was a ferocious fire.”

On Twitter, Ash Robinson said the fire looked “horrific”.

Beth McInnes said the house looked an “absolute mess” and called it an “absolute nightmare” for those involved.

Keep checking back for updates.