A HOUSEHOLDER has recalled the terrifying moment a marsh fire threatened to engulf his Wirral bungalow.

Gordon Line, 70, and wife June were in the garden of their home in The Anchorage in Parkgate on Sunday afternoon.

He watched as fire roared up over the garden fence and smoke billowed above the roof of his home.

Mr Line, a retired marine insurance surveyor, told the Globe: "I was working with my back to the marshes and my wife asked if I wanted a cup of tea. I told her to call the fire brigade.

"The fire rushed over the back garden fence and the smoke was over the roof of the bungalow.

"I was very concerned, because my fence was on fire and the whole house could have gone up.

"Luckily, the wind coming from a southerly direction. Had it blown from the west every single house could have gone up in flames."

Cheshire Fire Brigade was called at 3.34pm to reports of the fire on the marshland, which backs onto Mr Lines’ home.

Police now believe itwas started deliberately and have launched an investigation to find the culprits.

Mr Line continued: “The only complaint I have is the length of time it took firefighters to get to the scene - 25 minutes to get here from Ellesmere Port.

"If it was a house fire, I’m afraid the whole place would have gone up."

Paul Watts, Ellesmere Port station manager said: "Firefighters responded to this incident within a minute of receiving the call, we can confirm that they were on the scene within 18 minutes.

"The crews who responded did a fantastic job at containing this fire in the face of some difficult circumstances.

"Their actions protected both people and property from the impact of this blaze.

"Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat with some fires lasting several days.

"Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented.

"People need to take extra care when out and about to ensure that this sort of fire does not happen again.

"Dispose of smoking materials properly, don't leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after use and explain to children the dangers of playing with lighted fires.

"In addition if you see anyone lighting fires please report their actions to Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Launching an appeal for help in finding those responsible, Cheshire Police said in a statement: “The cause of the fire is being treated as deliberate and we are keen to speak to anyone who may assist the investigation."

Contact Ellesmere Port and Neston Neighbourhood Policing Team by dialling 101.