'Big Jeff' Johns has revealed the details of his house fire, which left him hospitalised with severe burns. And in a drive to raise awareness of how to deal with fires, the Bristol gig legend has adopted the life-saving phrase of ‘stop, drop and roll’.
Jeff has been moved from the Morriston Hospital in Swansea to Southmead Hospital in Bristol to continue his recovery in hospital with support from physios and occupational therapists.
Speaking on behalf of Big Jeff’s family today (August 17), his art manager Lee Dodds says: “Jeff is making amazing progress and is now able to walk with a frame and feed himself. The fire team who rescued Jeff did an incredible job and we are so grateful to them and to the neighbours who called them.
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“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.”
Mr Dodds says the fire happened on June 6 when Jeff went to see the band Amyl and the Sniffers at the O2 Academy Bristol. After the gig, he returned home to cook himself a meal, which is when the fire started.
“While he was cooking a simple meal, the bottom of his shirt caught alight on the gas hob. This resulted in a flash fire as the flames quickly spread on his clothing.
“Jeff ran to his bathroom to get himself under the shower to cool himself. His neighbours heard the cry for help and called the emergency services.
"Avon Fire & Rescue Service were the first responders, getting to the scene in five minutes from the call as they were nearby. It took 14 firefighters and three fire engines to attend the incident with everyone having a role in the scene and keeping Jeff alive before the ambulance crew were able to attend and take him to hospital.
“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.”
Jeff is now 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 on social platforms @bigjeffjohnsart.
Incidents involving cooking accounted for 49 per cent of fires that Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended last year, and 22 per cent of fires Avon Fire & Rescue Service attend happen at mealtimes. The advice from the fire service is that if you see a fire or smoke, 'get out, stay out and call 999’.
Sarah Hopper, lead fire fighter on Blue Watch, and first on the scene at the incident, said: “When we arrived at Jeff's home, I went in to investigate. I found Jeff inside and it was obvious that he had sustained serious burns.
“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."
For more information about how to protect yourself in case of a fire visit the Avon Fire & Rescue website here.
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