//0ffe9a01f6fe1bf98aaf021649baa7640a0454b1.jpg "John Cavalier and John Brimble")
A man who rescued his neighbour from a house fire has been honoured by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
John Brimble of Brooklands Lane, Seacroft, Leeds, broke a window and climbed into the house opposite when he realised his neighbour was inside the smoke-filled house. He checked the house to make sure no-one else was in, ventilated the property and then spent hours comforting his neighbour and liaising with the emergency services.
Mr Brimble said: “The smoke was so thick that it set the smoke alarm off in the house next door. I could not see any flames, but I realised that she had to get out of the house because the smoke could have killed her.”
An outbuilding attached the house was found to be on fire and was dealt with by the firefighters when they arrived on scene.
“I was shocked to be nominated for a letter of appreciation, but it is very much appreciated,” he added.
Watch Commander John Cavalier, who was the incident commander, recommended Mr Brimble for the honour. He said that Mr Brimble had helped his neighbour, unaware of the potential danger he himself could face. He said: “Mr Brimble and his partner then provided shelter and emotional comfort to their neighbour for the hours that followed.”
Station Commander Nigel Kirk presented Mr Brimble with his letter of appreciation at Gipton Fire Station, where he met Gipton Red Watch, who attended the original incident.
Station Commander Kirk said: “The quick and decisive actions taken by Mr Brimble undoubtedly helped prevent a tragic loss of life.”
