House blaze leaves islander with nothing 24/3/14
A retired lorry driver has had all his possessions damaged after a blaze destroyed his home in the crofting village of Arnol on the west side of Lewis.
Donald Macleod was believed to be out visiting when the fire broke out in the property where he lives alone.
A neighbour in a small housing scheme directly across the road is said to have spotted the flames on Thursday night and immediately called the emergency services.
The two storey detached croft house was well alight when fire crews from Shawbost, Stornoway and Great Bernera arrived on the scene.
Fireman fought the flames for two hours and donned breathing sets in the searing heat and smoke to get closer to aim water jets at the fire.
A butane Calor gas cylinder was scorched by the heat.
Police cordoned off the single track road when the blaze was at its height.
It is believed the fire started in the living room or adjacent kitchen.
Locals said Mr Macleod lost everything inside the house.
What wasn’t completely wrecked by flames has been damaged by thick smoke and soot penetrating everywhere thoughout the house.
It is understood Mr Macleod is staying with his sister who lives in the nearby district of Shawbost.
It is unclear what cause the fire.