A mum and her two young children were rescued from a blaze in their Wigan home by heroic neighbours… and the postman.
When the fire crews arrived to Elm Grove, Golbourne, they discovered the family had already been pulled from the flames which they then quickly extinguished.
While a neighbour used a set of ladders to evacuate the children, aged 2 and 4 respectively, the postman smashed down the door to rescue the mum.
Manager of Wigan Borough Fire and Rescue Service, Steve Sheridan, said: “When the crews arrived they found a neighbour had pitched a ladder against the house and rescued two children.
“The local postman, who was completing his daily round, also took part in the rescue, breaking down the door and leading the mother of the children to safety.
“Another neighbour went round the back and smashed the back door in to try and get them out.”
The entire family and one of the rescuers suffered from smoke inhalation during the ordeal.
Both mum and children were taken to Wigan Infirmary but their condition ‘is not thought to be life threatening’.
LIFE SAVERS: The rescue operation went off without a hitch
Another neighbour suffered several cuts to their hands and legs as they tried to enter the building.
Mr Sheridan added: “They have all done a fantastic job to rescue this family. Their actions have potentially saved the lives of this family”.
The fire is believed to have started by the children in the living room as they played with matches or lighters.
Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “Thanks to the brave actions of these neighbours and the local postman, this family have survived their ordeal.
“Matches and lighters are incredibly dangerous in children’s hands – keep them far away from where they can reach.”
Smoke alarms were fitted in the property but were not functioning at the time.
Acton added: “This family had smoke alarms in their property but they were faulty – a faulty smoke alarm is useless.
“Test your alarms once a week and never tamper with them – one day they could save your life.”
