The American football player later wrote on his Instagram: “First and foremost, we are all safe and healthy.

“We got out of the house and I was able to go back in and get our dog, Louie. We can’t thank Chief Caruthers, Captain Irvin and the Nashville Fire Department enough for their swift action.

“I can’t get the image of the brave firefighter getting into position out of my head; he didn’t even have water to shoot yet.

“I truly thought the cars were going to explode and that we would lose him to this tragedy. He is a true hero.

“Unfortunately we don’t know how much, if anything, will be salvageable, but this has been a reminder that nothing is more important than the health of our family.

“We are grateful for our incredible community in Nashville, and the support from our close friends who have given us a temporary roof over our heads and shoulders to lean on.”

Mr Cobb is currently seeking a new NFL team after being released by the New York Jets last season. Previously, he played for 10 years with the Green Bay Packers.