A Scouts firework display has been blamed for a “rogue” rocket which set a house on fire which gutted its roof.
The property, in Norwich, Norfolk, was badly damaged and lost most of its roof during the blaze at around 8.20pm on November 6.
The 33rd Norwich Scout group confirmed they held their firework display nearby and said they will assist with an investigation.
Landlord Max Morris, who owns the home, believes a rogue rocket from that display landed on the roof and started the fire.
Mr Morris, 34, said: “I feel gutted – sick to my stomach.
“This was my home – it’s where I lived. I’ve put my heart and soul into it.”
The remains of a rocket were found on the rear patio of the home after the flames were put out.
It took fire fire crews to battle the flames for three hours with large plumes of smoke seen,
Builder Mr Morris, rents the property, on College Road in Norwich, out and said the tenants were able to alert the emergency services.
But he is unsure of when they will be allowed back as the roof is largely destroyed and the house “water damaged” from the fire-fighting operation.
He said: “Fortunately they [the tenants] were having a meal at the time and saw the embers falling from the back door.
“I can’t thank the fire teams enough. They did a fantastic job.”
But Mr Morris added that he believed the residential area was not suitable to hold a firework display.
He said: “You’ve got organised events for that.
“Why not take them in a minibus to a larger event?”
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident and the fire was under control by 11pm.
A spokesman for the Scout Association confirmed it was aware of the incident and was involved in an investigation.
The spokesman said: “Safety is always our priority, and Scout events are subject to thorough risk assessments and appropriate safety procedures.
“We are aware of the incident that took place.
“We are working with the safety advisory group for Norfolk that includes Norfolk Fire and Rescue and the local authority to establish what happened in this case.
“The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
