THE death of an elderly Boncath man following a bungalow fire has prompted fire chiefs to hammer home a vital 'get out, stay out' safety message.

Eighty-five-year-old Kenneth Pope was rescued from the blaze on Thursday morning, but later died at the scene.

It is understood Mr Pope had attempted to tackle the fire by himself before emergency services were alerted by a local postman.

A joint Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service investigation is currently being carried out, but police have said the fire was not suspicious.

Nick Webley, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service's County Commander for Pembrokeshire, said: "The call was made by a postman and found smoke coming out of the house.

"He called the occupier to come out and then alerted the fire service."

He added: "What's clear is that Mr Pope was trying to fight the fire himself.

"We advise anybody to get out, call the fire service and stay out."

Fire appliances from Crymych, Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn were called to the single-storey Bro Heddwych property at 10.02am on Thursday.

Mr Pope, who owned the property and lived alone, was rescued by fire crews and treated at the scene by ambulance crews.

Mr Webley added: "They resuscitated Mr Pope and brought him out. Paramedics gave treatment, but he deteriorated at the scene and died."

The fire service has said early indications are that no smoke alarm was fitted in the property. The fire left the bungalow severely damaged. The bungalow is part of Rhydhowell Farm.

The rest of the farm is owned by John Quinn.

Mr Quinn said his neighbour was a perfect gentleman, but very independent and kept himself to himself.

"He'd been there about 25 years and I knew him as well as you can know somebody who's a recluse," he said.

Mr Pope is understood to have had a career in the civil service before retiring.