awakened by a mystery house fire.

One man was helped to safety by firefighters as he bravely fought the blaze in his bedroom.

Mr. Elroy Harvey was found coughing and spluttering, dousing the fierce flames with a bucket of water.

A female firefighter was one of those who helped him down the stairs and into a waiting ambulance.

Two other occupants had fled outside into the dark, carrying with them a little boy.

Mr. Harvey was treated for burns and the effects of inhaling smoke at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. His condition in the intensive care unit was later described as "stable''.

Mr. Harvey's sister, Donna, who also breathed in fumes, was making satisfactory progress in a general ward.

Her four-year-old son, Tico, and mother, Mrs. Patricia Harvey, received treatment for the effects of smoke as well, but later discharged.

The blaze erupted at around 5 a.m. at the white two-storey property in Field View Lane, off Parsons Road.

It is believed to have started in a corner of Mr. Harvey's 8x10-foot bedroom, which was completely gutted. The bed, dresser, table, and other furnishings, were wrecked.

Two other bedrooms on the floor and a bathroom were severely damaged by heat and smoke. Downstairs was unaffected.

Nearly 20 firemen and five appliances went to the scene as flames threatened to engulf the upper storey.

Five firefighters wearing breathing gear entered the property, which was filled with smoke and toxic fumes.

Two, one female, went upstairs where they found Mr. Harvey surrounded by flames.

The other three occupants were already out of the house.

Mrs. Patricia Harvey, visibly shocked, told The Royal Gazette she had been awakened by the smoke.

"I thought the fire was in the kitchen, and ran downstairs to get a bucket of water. I was in a really shaken state, and rushed next door to alert a neighbour.'' Ms April Harvey, Donna's sister, said she had received an early morning phone call from her mother.

"She was obviously very upset and I went right round,'' she said.

Sgt. Morris White masterminded the fire fighting operation at the outset.

"When I arrived the flames were coming out of the window of the bedroom,'' he said. "The glass in the window was broken, presumably by the intense heat and smoke.'' Sgt. White said the blaze was brought under control fairly swiftly, although it took 45 minutes to finish damping down.

Lieutenant Jon Thompson said the fire was burning fiercely when he arrived.

He said toxic fumes were normal in house fires from burning fabrics and drapes.

Divisional Officer Melvin Outerbridge said it was believed the fire started in a corner of Mr. Harvey's bedroom.

"We are still investigating the cause which is of uncertain origin.''