Ellie saves the day

Ellie and her awards with Simon Wheelwright and Graham Cooper from Chadderton Fire Station

SIX-YEAR-OLD Ellie Hodson saved the day when she alerted teachers to a fire which could have had serious consequences.

The youngster spotted smoke coming from a hand-dryer in the girls’ toilets at St Joseph’s Primary School, Shaw, and quickly told a teaching assistant what she had seen.

The fire brigade was called and the school evacuated while firefighters put out a small fire which caused extensive smoke damage in the area.

Deputy head teacher Steve Hill praised Ellie’s swift response. He said: “Because of her quick actions we were able to evacuate the school within seconds and make sure all the children were safe.

“Ellie prevented what could have been a more serious incident, and the firefighters told her it was a great thing to have done.”

Firefighters from Chadderton Fire Station were so impressed with Ellie’s actions that they called into school to present the youngster with a certificate and a “star” trophy.

The firefighters stayed for afternoon assembly where they praised her and reinforced the fire safety message to pupils.

“They said she did the right thing telling a teacher immediately which meant everyone could get out of the building safely,” said Mr Hill.

Crew manager Simon Wheelwright, from Chadderton Fire Station, said: “It’s well done to Ellie for recognising how dangerous it was, especially at such a young age.

“She saw the smoke, closed the door behind her immediately, and told an adult who raised the alarm.

“It’s important that the process is fast in a school where there are so many people, and Ellie ensured everyone was outside even before the detectors picked up the fire.”

Ellie, who is in Year 1, has a younger brother, Max, who is in the reception class.

Her class were invited to take a close-up look at the fire engine, try on uniforms and have a go with the hosepipe.

Mr Hill said: “We are obviously very proud of Ellie. Her quick-thinking helped to prevent what could have been a much more serious incident. She is an absolute star.”