Recognition for man who helped woman out of Wiltshire house fire
Neil Luton noticed a blaze in Heytesbury earlier this year
A man's been given two awards for his 'brave actions' to save someone from a house fire in a Wiltshire village.
Neil Luton was working in Heytesbury on the morning of February 16th, when he noticed a property in Greenlands was alight. |newtab)
He tried to help the occupant inside by trying the get in through the front door, but couldn't enter due to the smoke and flames.
Neil went to the back garden, and used a table to get access and see a person inside.
He guided her to a first floor window and onto the roof of an extension there, before using a neighbour's ladder to help her down safely.
Neil was nominated for a Chief Fire Officer's Commendation by the Station Manager who attended the scene - and then Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's Chief Ben Ansell also nominated him for a Bronze Medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
The awards have now been handed over to Neil at a special presentation.
Chief Fire Officer at DWFRS Ben Ansell said:
“A Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation is the highest award that I can give to a member of the public for acts of outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage in the face of adversity. In exceptional cases, I will also make a nomination to other bodies for recognition, and I was extremely pleased that the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire has recognised Neil for his incredible bravery on that day. It was my honour to make the presentation of a bronze medal on their behalf.
“Neil acted instinctively, selflessly and bravely, with complete disregard for his own safety. By putting himself at risk, his actions that morning were the definition of courage under pressure, and saved the occupant from serious injury, and even the potential of losing her life.”
Accepting his awards, Neil said:
“At the time, I just acted instinctively; I knew there were dangers, but I could also see how I could help. I didn’t expect any recognition, and it’s incredible that this has now happened. It’s a real honour.”