Big Jeff tells story of house fire ordeal in bid to raise awareness

It was a night like many others when Bristol’s most famous live music lover returned home from a gig to cook himself some food.

But in a terrifying turn of events, the bottom of his shirt caught alight on the gas hob, resulting in a flash fire that left Jeffrey Johns, better known as Big Jeff, hospitalised with severe burns.

Several weeks down the line, Jeff has now been moved from the Morriston Hospital in Swansea to Southmead Hospital to continue his recovery.

The much-loved gig-goer, along with his loved ones, is speaking out about his story in a bid to raise awareness of what people should do in the event of a fire at home to prevent others going through a similar ordeal.

They are working with the Blue Watch team at Temple Fire Station to raise awareness of fire safety in the home and will be beginning a campaign, with the mantra “stop, drop and roll” for anyone whose clothes catch on fire.

“Jeff is making amazing progress and is now able to walk with a frame and feed himself,” say Jeff’s family and art manager, Lee Dodds.

“The fire team who rescued Jeff did an incredible job and we are so grateful to them and to the neighbours who called them. It most certainly saved Jeff’s life. As a result he is able to tell his story, to try and protect others. We want to reiterate that Jeff does not drink alcohol or take drugs, so this could happen to anyone at any time.”

It was after returning from seeing Amyl and the Sniffers at the O2 Academy on June 6 that Jeff returned home to cook.

His shirt caught on fire and flames quickly spread over his clothing. Jeff ran to his bathroom to get under the shower to cool down. His neighbours heard his cry for help and called the emergency services.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service were first at the scene, arriving in five minutes, with 14 firefighters and three fire engines in total in attendance. The fire fighters worked to keep Jeff alive until the ambulance crew arrived to take him to hospital.

Lee continues: “If Jeff had known what to do then he would have been less injured. Stop, drop and roll is such a simple mantra and fire safety just isn’t spoken about enough. If we can make a difference to one person’s life, then that would be an amazing result.”

49 per cent of fires that Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended last year involve cooking and 22 per cent happen at mealtimes.

Sarah Hopper, lead firefighter on Blue Watch and first on the scene recalls going into Jeff’s house on June 6.

“I found Jeff inside and it was obvious that he had sustained serious burns,” says Sarah.

“I got Jeff outside where the rest of the crews treated Jeff with the equipment we have before the ambulance arrived. Although he was in a terrifying situation, Jeff was an absolute legend, he stayed calm and listened to what we were telling him, which allowed us to do our job and give him the best treatment.

“We are really pleased he’s able to help us to send a message to Bristol and beyond of what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation. If your clothes catch on fire, the best thing to remember is: stop, drop and roll. If you find yourself in an emergency and need the fire service, call 999 immediately. We are here to help.”

More information on how to protect yourself in case of a fire is available via:  www.avonfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/fire-safety/if-you-have-a-fire.

Main photo: ©Ania Shrimpton 

Read more: Big Jeff’s message of thanks to friends and hospital staff 

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