Bed-ridden Durban man suffers extensive burns after home catches alight

A bed-ridden Durban man suffered severe burns after the upper level of his home caught alight on Wednesday.

Reaction Unit SA spokesperson Prem Balram said a team was dispatched to the Eastbury, Phoenix, home after being alerted by concerned residents.

"On arrival, officers and medics found residents trying to extinguish the fire with garden hoses," said Balram.

The man, believed to be in his sixties, suffered burns to most of his body, as well as smoke inhalation.

He was stabilised and taken to hospital.

"According to neighbours, the elderly male was unable to walk due to a medical condition," said Balram.

He said neighbours had carried the man to the lower level of the house, where he was treated.

Neighbours believe the man’s blanket caught alight when he tried to light a cigarette.

"The upper level of the home was extensively damaged in the fire," said Balram.