Rescuers praised in blaze drama

Two of the rescuers, Andrea and Sean Wheatcroft

FIRE crews have thanked three quick-thinking friends who helped to save the lives of an elderly couple from a house fire.

Joanne Macmillan (38) was visiting pals Andrea and Sean Wheatcroft in Redgrave Street, Greenacres, when they noticed black smoke billowing from a neighbouring property.

The trio ran over to the house and saw an elderly couple, unaware of the fire, watching television in their front room.

With no thought for their own safety, the friends immediately raised the alarm, battled thick black smoke to lead the couple to safety and even disposed of a burning chip pan before fire-fighters arrived at the scene.

Ms Macmillan, from Ronald Street, Clarksfield, said: “My friends were just heading to the shop about 7.15pm when they spotted black smoke coming from the couple’s front bedroom window.

“We all ran over and started banging on the front window of the neighbours house until the husband answered the door.

“A chip pan had caught fire and there was quite big flames from it. The smoke alarm had been going off inside the house but the couple hadn’t heard it.”

Ms Macmillan walked the woman to safety through the back of the property while Mr Wheatcroft led the man out of the front. He then grabbed the handle of the chip pan with a wet cloth and took it out to the garden.

The fire caused damage to the cooker and kitchen walls and fire officers gave the couple oxygen therapy when they arrived a few minutes later.

The couple were taken to hospital for treatment.

Ms Macmillan, a mother-of-two, said she believed a fourth person helped in the rescue last Tuesday night by calling the fire brigade.

She said: “One fireman took my details and thanked us, but there was also a younger man who was calling the fire brigade when we arrived at the house.

“I don’t think the couple heard the smoke alarm because the front room door was shut.

“I think they were in shock but I also burst into tears once the ambulance arrived. I’m amazed at how quickly it all happened and am just thankful we were able to help them.”

Crew Commander Peter Marshall, from Oldham Fire Station, said: “Originally, they noticed the black smoke and alerted the elderly couple.

“While we don’t condone people running into houses, they did the right thing in alerting them. They did a good job in getting them out.

“The couple were using the old style chip pan with a basket, which are dangerous, and the blaze could have been a lot worse.

“I’d urge residents with this kind of appliance to look into getting deep fat fryers instead.”