AN ELDERLY man was burned after a blaze spread to two houses today.

Fire crews from Wokingham and Wokingham Road were deployed to Bredon Close at around 11.35am.

The blaze got out of control and caused nearby houses to catch fire, with the flames spreading to the roof of one of the properties.

A male pensioner suffered superficial burn injuries to his hands and back as a result and has been taken to hospital for further treatment.

Darren Barrett, watch manager for Wokingham Road station explained: “The fire could well have spread further had we not intervened.

“One occupant suffered burn injuries and was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

“We used a hose reel and we were on the scene for just over an hour.

“There was heat damage on the ground and first floor, as well as the roof.”

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service added: "We were called at 11.59am by Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service reporting a tree fire outside a property where an elderly patient had suffered superficial burns to his hands and back.

"We sent an ambulance officer in a rapid response vehicle to the scene and the patient was able to be treated at the scene."