George dies after blaze at his home (From Gazette Series)

George dies after blaze at his home

THE community of Dursley was left reeling this week after one of the town's best-loved characters and his dog died in a fire that ripped through their town-centre home.

Despite the best efforts of local fire crews, George Fry, 74, and his black Labrador dog died in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a fire that gutted the Water Street property they lived in.

Neighbours were left dumbfounded as they awoke to the news of the tragic incident that had happened over night.

Grantley Mould, 49, a life-long friend of Mr Fry, fought back the tears on Wednesday as he paid tribute to the man about whom no-one had a bad word to say.

He said: "I had known him all my life. He was a well-respected man. He is definitely going to be missed in the community."

The Dursley branch of the Royal British Legion also shared in the grief of family and friends. Mr Fry had been president of the branch since 1999 and was often seen laying a wreath on Remembrance Sunday. Chairman of Dursley Royal British Legion, Andrew Cooper, said Mr Fry would have a lasting affect on all who had known him.

He said: "When they made George they broke the mould. He was well known and well respected.

"When the Dursley branch lost its club in 1999 George worked hard to help keep the branch going and in recent years we've seen a growth in interest. I'm glad George got to see that turn around because he had been involved in the Legion for so many years."

Mr Fry at one time worked in a cycle shop in Dursley. He went on to buy a number of properties in the town. He also owned a smallholding at the top of Nunnery Lane where he kept sheep and had recently let out a mobile home on the land to Mr Mould because he could not see a friend go homeless.

Mr Mould said: "He gave me a roof over my head, that's the type of man he was."

Fire crews were called to the fire on Water Street at approximately 4.45am on Wednesday morning and found the house engulfed by flames. It took fire crews from Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge and Stroud three hours to bring the blaze under control.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue spokesperson Bev Booth said the shape of the property meant it had been a difficult fire to tackle.

"The fire was predominantly in the roof space," she said, "which made it difficult to gain access to. We were not able to bring in specialist equipment."

Fire officers who arrived at the scene were able to rescue Mr Fry from the blaze and performed CPR but sadly Mr Fry later died in hospital.

His black Labrador was also found by fire officers but had already died from smoke inhalation.

Ms Booth praised the fire officers for their efforts despite the tragic outcome.

She said: "This fire proved a particularly arduous task for the fire fighters involved but we praise the crews for the work they have done."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue could not say at this stage what had started the fire but did say they believed it had started in the living room area of the house.

Water Street was restricted to access only on Wednesday as fire officers and police completed their investigations into the cause.

Ms Booth took the opportunity to remind everybody of fire safety in the home.

She said: "This tragedy reminds us all of the dangers in the home and people should check regularly for fire safety."