Billesley pensioner rescued by roofers as her home went on fire

Two quick-thinking roofers helped to rescue a pensioner from her burning home in Birmingham.

Matt Nicholson and his employee, Bradley Timmins, came to the rescue of 70-year-old Jenny Salter when they spotted smoke pouring from her home in Billesley at lunchtime on Tuesday, 25 January.

The fire, which is believed to have started accidentally in the kitchen before spreading to a rear ground-floor extension, caused significant damage and smoke logged the whole house.

Describing the Ms Salter’s ordeal, Matt said: “We were working on a roof nearby. I saw the smoke and immediately knew something was wrong. Bradley went to check things out while I dialled 999.

“We then both managed to get the front door open and found the lady who couldn’t get out, partly because her way was blocked.

“As Bradley helped her, I asked if there was anybody else inside. She said there wasn’t but, as there was a car on the drive, I wanted to be sure. I wrapped my jacket around my mouth and nose and went into the living room, shouting for anybody else who might be there.

“I was only in there for 20 seconds or so but, with the amount of smoke and the banging and popping from the fire, it felt a lot longer.”

Luckily, Ms Salter was only person home and Matt and Bradley managed to get her as far away from the house as possible before the fire service arrived.

Firefighters from Highgate and Billesley who responded to the incident in Oakcroft Road, Billesley gave oxygen to Jenny, who was suffering from the effects of smoke. She was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

‘We’re so grateful for Matt and Bradley’

Jenny’s daughter, Sarah Kerr, said: “Fortunately, mum was allowed out of hospital later the same day. We can’t thank Matt and Bradley enough for what they did. Mum isn’t in the best of health and her mobility isn’t good.

“We’re so grateful that they helped her like they did.”

Crew Commander Darran Gough, of Billesley fire station, said: “Had Matt and Bradley not acted as they did, there’s no doubt that this incident could have had a much sadder outcome.

“They did exactly the right thing by calling 999 immediately. And, whilst we would never encourage people to enter a burning property, it’s clear that on this occasion their bravery and selflessness paid off.

“West Midlands Fire Service will be considering them for more formal recognition in due course.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.