But Matthew is keen to point out that, while he was relieved to leave the private sector to work in "well-paid quality provision where standards are usually consistently high", the vast majority of his former colleagues were "in it for the love of the job".
"I am very relieved that William and his family have escaped injury and acknowledge the vigilant work and quick thinking of local PSNI officers in spotting the fire and getting everyone to safety, " Mr Kennedy said.