Neighbours of a house that was gutted by fire have told of seeing a fireball and a 90ft (about 27m) column of black smoke.
The fire broke out at the semi-detached property on Norleigh Road, in Northenden, Manchester, at about 14:30 BST on Thursday.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said five engines and an aerial appliance were sent to tackle the blaze. The house lost a large part of its roof.
One neighbour said: “I was waiting for a delivery and then saw the fireball.” Another neighbour told Radio Manchester: “I have never seen smoke so black before.”