TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular, highly respected and "dedicated" East Devon coastguard of 20 years who died in a fire at his Sidmouth home.
The 42-year-old father of four, named locally as Marcus Dack, lost his life in the horrific blaze which occurred at about 7.40am on Sunday, June 15.
Following a joint investigation with the police, a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the cause of the fire at the property on Howarth Close, was accidental and there were no suspicious circumstances.
Mr Dack, who worked in the IT department at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Exeter, had been a "committed and dedicated" member of Beer Coastguard for almost 20 years.
His hard work liaising between police and coastguard officials when the infamous 62,000-tonne MSC Napoli ran aground off Branscombe in January 2007 earned him a highly regarded Letter of Appreciation from Devon and Cornwall Police.
During his two decades of voluntary lifesaving service, he was also awarded a Queen's Golden Jubilee medal, a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal and a Chief Coastguard Commendation in 1997.
On behalf of his colleagues, past and present, Beer Coastguard station officer Terry Hoare paid tribute to his friend, and colleague describing him as someone who would "help anyone if he could".
"It's tragic, a huge loss. We're all shaken up," he said. "We're all in a state of shock. He will be sadly missed.
"He was such a so knowledgeable team member, you could always rely on him. He loved his role, he was always willing to go out, night or day, if he was available, he was there, normally the first on the scene.
"He was a busy person but always willing to help, including outside of his role as a coastguard – he was a good friend and colleague," added Mr Hoare. "He would help anyone who needed it."
Fire Service group manager Jon Miller, added: "Marcus's death has filled us with great sadness and we are all thinking of his family and friends at this terrible time. Marcus was a popular member of our team and a friend to many of us."
Five crews from Honiton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Seaton attended the blaze following numerous calls reporting that smoke was "pouring" from the property. The fire was well advanced on their arrival.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said she looked out of her home and could seesaw flames "raging" from the windows.
Another neighbour who witnessed the fire, said: "I heard a beeping noise which must have been an alarm, and then the sirens of the fire engines. The smoke that was coming out of the windows was unbelievable.
"I could see flames coming out of the downstairs windows, it was dreadful, very scary."
"I was worried someone was in there, but there was nothing I could do as the fire engines were already there. It's very sad."
Firefighters searched the house after initial reports that there could have been three people inside. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed. A report is being compiled for the coroner.
The Fire Service will be carrying out a community safety initiative in Sidmouth on Friday, June 20, knocking on doors giving fire safety advice.
Residents will also be able to go and speak to fire officers at Sidmouth Fire Station on Woolbrook Road, on Sunday, June 22 and Monday, June 23, from 2pm until 8pm.
Mr Miller, added: "All members of your family, guests and loved ones should know how to get out, stay out, and call 999 in the event of a fire.
"A smoke alarm can give people the warning they need to get out of their home in a fire but that is only part of the problem. Thinking about a plan for you and your families escape is equally if not more important. A blocked exit, a locked door or unfamiliar surroundings can often shave vital seconds from your escape time."
The fire service has issued the following safety advice:
Get out, stay out and call 999.• Prepare and practice a plan of action to help you act quickly if there's a fire in your home. • Keep your escape route clear to ensure a speedy exit• Make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept. • Fit a smoke alarm on at least every level of your home and test them regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time in a fire
Group Manager Miller added: "Every second counts when escaping a fire and a working smoke alarm and knowing the escape plan in an emergency could make all the difference."
If anyone is unable to come to one of the community safety sessions, they can call 0800 73 11 822 for advice.
