Surrey Heath siblings praised for their life saving bravery during fire

A pair of young siblings have recently been given a tour of Camberley fire station to thank them for their life saving bravery.

12 year old George and 9 year old Olivia leapt into action after they discovered a tumble dryer fire at their dad's home last December when the smoke alarm went off.

Olivia shut the kitchen door to stop the fire spreading and George rushed upstairs to their baby brother Luke who was sleeping.

They then evacuated themselves and their nan, who was also in the house at the time, before calling 999.

Surrey Fire and Rescue were proud to meet the pair at Camberley Fire Station recently to express their gratitude for the bravery shown to keep their family safe.

Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer for Surrey Fire and Rescue said:

“The actions of George and Olivia that day no doubt saved their family and prevented further fire damage to their home.

“I ask that our firefighters are prepared to save lives, and they’re equipped and trained to do so. At such a young age, the brave and considered approach taken by them was incredible.

“I, and all of Surrey Fire and Rescue are so proud and our crew at Camberley Fire Station were delighted to meet the family and welcome them into the station.”

The young siblings were taken on a tour around the local fire station to learn about the service and how fire fighters train and respond in emergencies.

Lee Doyle, Crew Commander at Camberley Fire Station: “We’re proud to serve a community that has residents like George and Olivia in, so it was a real pleasure to meet them and thank them for their bravery in a time of real danger and show them how we prepare and take action in fires.”

The siblings’ mum, Vicky Harrison hopes her children’s experience will alert others to potential fire risks at home and encourages all parents to check everyone in the house knows their own address and how to use the phone should they need to call 999 in an emergency:

“Getting a call to say my children were in a house fire is one no parent ever wants. The fire crew lifted them over the fence to safety and I’ve never squeezed them so tight. I couldn’t be prouder of them both. Their dad’s house was inhabitable for almost a year following fire damage, and after such a traumatic incident for them both, they were so excited to visit the fire station recently. Getting into the fire engine and sliding down the fireman’s pole being the highlight!”

Surrey Fire and Rescue urges everyone to prepare their homes to stay safe and learn what to do if a fire occurs:

Test your smoke alarms weekly

Know about common fire hazards

Ask for further support to carry out safety checks if you or someone you know is vulnerable by booking a Safe and Well Visit

If there is a fire at home, try not to panic, leave your house as quickly as possible and call 999

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