Smallbridge fire - heroic neighbour

A large amount of cigarettes left on the timber laminate floor in the first floor lounge

A neighbour played a heroic part in the rescue of a 54-year-old man from a maisonette in 48 Bower Avenue, Smallbridge, Rochdale. She was returning from her neighbour’s house, when she heard the smoke alarm sounding and then saw the man stood at the first floor window of the heavily smoke logged flat.

She phoned 999 as the man had no phone in his flat and he managed to self escape down the staircase. She then persuaded him not to re-enter the flat to get his shoes.

Three fire appliances were mobilised from Rochdale, Littleborough and Heywood. Two breathing apparatus wearers and one hose reel was used to bring the fire under control.

Angus Robinson, Watch Commander, Blue Watch, Rochdale Fire Station, said: "The fire was caused by a large amount of cigarettes left on the timber laminate floor in the first floor lounge.

"The man was treated on site by an Ambulance crew for smoke inhalation, but refused hospital treatment.

"This fire highlights the importance of a working smoke alarm and the dangers of poorly discarded cigarettes.

"The man was extremely lucky that a neighbour heard the smoke alarm and contacted the emergency services."