Menu
17/04/2009
Three Rescued In Coleraine Blaze Drama
There was high drama in Co Londonderry earlier this week as neighbours rushed to the rescue of people trapped by a house fire.
While the fire service was still on route, the three victims - who were upstairs in the blazing home - were saved by neighbours. They grabbed ladders and placed them against the wall as smoke billowed from the windows before leading the three to safety.
It happened at a semi-detached house in the town's Grassmere Court on Wednesday night.
Onlookers said that a 10-year-old girl Melissa Park had also played a key role in the rescue after she spotted a neighbour hanging out of a window shouting for help through thick smoke.
"I just heard people shouting for help and thought it was young ones carrying on," she told the Belfast News Letter.
"I looked up and saw black windows but I just thought the curtains had been pulled.
"Then I looked around again and saw a woman standing on the upstairs window sill shouting 'help, there is a fire'."
She ran and got her father, Ivan, who got out his stepladder.
"There were two sisters and one had a son of six or seven-years-old and they were trying to get fresh air through the upstairs bedroom window," he said.
"There was a fair bit of smoke in the house and they were all congregated around the window.
"I got out my wee decorating ladder and we got the wee boy out first and the two girls climbed out afterwards."
Mr Park also paid tribute to the Fire Service, who he said were on the scene soon after he had helped the three occupants out of the house.
"Obviously the girls had already phoned them before we arrived on the scene," he said.
A police spokesman said that early indications suggested that someone may have been trapped on the premises, "however, upon the arrival of Fire Service all persons were accounted for".
He said a young boy was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
"The fire is not being treated as suspicious," he added.
(BMcC/JM)
While the fire service was still on route, the three victims - who were upstairs in the blazing home - were saved by neighbours. They grabbed ladders and placed them against the wall as smoke billowed from the windows before leading the three to safety.
It happened at a semi-detached house in the town's Grassmere Court on Wednesday night.
Onlookers said that a 10-year-old girl Melissa Park had also played a key role in the rescue after she spotted a neighbour hanging out of a window shouting for help through thick smoke.
"I just heard people shouting for help and thought it was young ones carrying on," she told the Belfast News Letter.
"I looked up and saw black windows but I just thought the curtains had been pulled.
"Then I looked around again and saw a woman standing on the upstairs window sill shouting 'help, there is a fire'."
She ran and got her father, Ivan, who got out his stepladder.
"There were two sisters and one had a son of six or seven-years-old and they were trying to get fresh air through the upstairs bedroom window," he said.
"There was a fair bit of smoke in the house and they were all congregated around the window.
"I got out my wee decorating ladder and we got the wee boy out first and the two girls climbed out afterwards."
Mr Park also paid tribute to the Fire Service, who he said were on the scene soon after he had helped the three occupants out of the house.
"Obviously the girls had already phoned them before we arrived on the scene," he said.
A police spokesman said that early indications suggested that someone may have been trapped on the premises, "however, upon the arrival of Fire Service all persons were accounted for".
He said a young boy was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
"The fire is not being treated as suspicious," he added.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
19 November 2024
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
23 May 2017
Residents Advised To Close Windows And Doors After Fire In Newtownards
Residents are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed after a blaze broke out at the Castlebawn site on the Portaferry Road, Newtownards. One fire in the area was put out on Monday, however firefighters are dealing with a significant amount of rubbish and rubble.
Residents Advised To Close Windows And Doors After Fire In Newtownards
Residents are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed after a blaze broke out at the Castlebawn site on the Portaferry Road, Newtownards. One fire in the area was put out on Monday, however firefighters are dealing with a significant amount of rubbish and rubble.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
