The crash caused a ground fire at the point of impact, possibly knocking down cable or telephone lines, said Dennis Shell, a spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority.

CNN: One killed in California plane crash

At one point, he tried to call the Poxley volunteer fire department, but the creosote pole that supported the telephone wire had already gone up like a torch, taking his service away.

NEWYORKER: Idols

Det Con Campbell agreed that the 999 call had been made from a telephone box in Helensburgh and confirmed that it was to provide information in relation to the fire at Scott Court.

BBC: Sharkey fire deaths: 'Fire suspect' named in 999 call