MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli escaped unhurt from a blaze at his home that was sparked when a firework went off in his bathroom.
Two fire engines were sent to the 21-year-old Italian’s home in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, at 1:00am Saturday.
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a blaze in a first-floor bathroom. They used two hose reel water jets to douse the flames, and a large fan was deployed to clear smoke, Sky Sports reported.
The Manchester Evening News said it understood Balotelli was home at the time of the incident, but was not responsible.
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said, “Crews managed to put the fire out within half an hour of arriving but remained at the scene until 2:45am to prevent any possible flare-ups.
“Smoke alarms were fitted at the property and the occupiers were able to get out unharmed. The fire was caused by a firework.”
Balotelli, who has been no stranger to controversy during his time in the English Premier League, was signed by City from Inter Milan last summer.
