Bristol man given awards for bravery over house fire rescue
Neil Luton saved a woman from a house fire near Warminster back in February
A man from Bristol who helped a woman escape a house fire earlier this year, has been given a special medal for bravery.
Neil Luton has been given a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and a Bronze Medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, after the incident in February.
Mr Luton was working in Heytesbury near Warminster when he noticed a house was on fire and that a woman was still inside.
Initially he tried to get in through the front door to rescue her but was beaten back by the fire and smoke.
Eventually he managed to get her out through a first-floor window with the help of a ladder.
Chief Fire Officer 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.”
CFO Ansell added that Mr Luton had acted 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," he said.
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.”