A HOUSE has been wrecked by a fierce blaze.
A cigarette is thought to have set fire to a settee at the semi-detached home on Station Road in Shepley at 1am today.
The 33-year-old man living there tried to tackle flames and suffered burns to his arm.
But he was forced to flee and ran to summon help from neighbours.
Firefighters from Skelmanthorpe and Holmfirth arrived.
Skelmanthorpe Watch Manager Richard Meakin said: "The house was well alight and we did not know at first if anyone was trapped inside so we sent in four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
"It then turned out the man was further down the street.
"Fire had spread from the lounge and up the stairs and landing. There was severe heat and smoke damage."
The man was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Firefighters stayed until well after 5am.
