FIRE chiefs have today issued a safety warning after a man was injured trying to retrieve possessions from his burning van.

Smoke billowed across Wisbech on Saturday after the van burst into flames in Boleness Road. The driver was taken to hospital with burns to his hands and arms.

A fire service spokesman said the fire was caused by a “mechanical or electrical fault”.

Andy Tucker, Risk Manager at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would advise people to get away from fire as quickly as possible.

“They should call the fire service immediately and not put themselves in unnecessary danger.

“Items can be replaced. Your life cannot.”

One fire crew from Wisbech tackled the fire using two hose reels. The van was completely destroyed.