A man who helped rescue a woman from a raging house fire has been presented with an award from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
Neil Luton tried to enter the smoke-filled home in Greenlands in Heytesbury, near Warminster, on 16 February before finding a ladder and helping the occupant escape through an upper-floor window.
That day he was working in Heytesbury when he became aware that a house was on fire. Having realised that the occupant was still inside, he immediately tried to enter through the front door to carry out a rescue but was beaten back by the smoke and flames.
Neil then went round to the back garden and used a table to try and get access to where he could see the person inside.
He established contact with the occupant and encouraged her out of a first-floor window and onto a pitched single-storey extension; then, using a ladder provided by a neighbour, he guided her to the edge and helped her climb down to safety.
Alongside a bronze medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell presented him with a commendation.
He was presented the awards at Chippenham Community Fire Station on 17 October, after being nominated for the recognition by Station Manager Dave Geddes.
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.”
