A WOMAN has described the terrifying moment that flames consumed the rooftops of two Victorian buildings as she fled her home with her children.

Fliss Osborne took photographs as the blaze raged through two buildings on the A38 Barbourne Road in Worcester on Monday night and Tuesday morning, forcing police and the fire service to close the road.

Mrs Osborne lives in Shrubbery Avenue next to the architect’s premises which was damaged as the fire spread from an empty building next door on Barbourne Road.

She said: “I smelt burning around 11pm whilst watching TV, then after searching the house I saw the fire through my landing window.

“It was raging and the whole window frame was on fire as well as anything inside.

“It was very obvious it was already a serious fire. I then dialled 999 and woke up my children to get them out of the house as it was so close and I was worried about a gas explosion.

“Luckily my friends who live further down the avenue came to our aid as we were evacuated.

“Everything was engulfed in smoke and at one point I stood on the opposite side of Shrubbery Avenue and could not see my home or cars due to the density of smoke.

“The flames were as high as the chimneys.

“It was very scary as the single story flat in between No 2 and my house has timber decking on the roof which could have easily caught fire.

“Thanks to all the emergency services and the helpful neighbours.

“The fire crew had it under control within two hours and at 1am I was allowed back into my house to collect a few items.

“It was a very emotional and scary two hours for me and something I'm sure my children will never forget.”

Temporary traffic lights on the A38 have now been taken down.

They were put in place after fears that one of the buildings was structurally unsound and may collapse but it has since been shored up and poses no danger to the public.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into the cause of the blaze.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was unavailable for comment, nor were representatives of architects BGP McConaghy whose building suffered damage to its roof in the fire.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “Polce continue to liaise with fire officers and enquiries continue.”