A CARDENDEN man was rushed to hospital after a serious house fire left Station Road covered in thick black smoke.

Firefighters rescued the man to safety after the large blaze caused the two-storey building's roof to collapse on Monday afternoon.

His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

Four fire appliances raced to the scene at 2.24pm and used powerful water jets to tackle the roaring flames and bring them under control.

Judy Hughes, neighbour, was driving back into the street when she noticed the commotion.

She said: "The smoke was belting out through the roof and fire engines raced past me as I was coming back into the scheme.

"I was panicking a little bit as I was worried if the kid was still inside.

"It was very strong. I drove into the street and everything was so smoky. I heard folk shouting that someone could be trapped inside."

Another witness added: "We couldn't even see the house from ours for all the smoke as it was so thick. You just hoped that everyone would be okay. I could hear firemen shouting: "Get out! Get out!"

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "A total of four fire appliances including an Aerial Rescue Platform were mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised at 2:24pm on Monday, 13 March.

“Crews arrived to discover the fire affecting the roof area of the two-storey building.

“Powerful water jets were used to tackle the flames externally.

One male casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“Crews left the scene at 6.45pm after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We dispatched three ambulances, two managers and our special operations response team to the scene.

"One patient was taken to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy."