Brave George saves elderly resident from fire in sheltered housing

One of our dedicated repairs operatives acted quickly to rescue an elderly resident from a fire, when he saw smoke coming from the window of a bungalow in a sheltered housing scheme.

On Thursday 25 February George Fullerton, one of our repairs operatives at Stevenage Homes, was visiting Silkin Court sheltered housing scheme to fit a new gate. He noticed smoke coming from the kitchen window of one of the bungalows. Thinking quickly he alerted the resident, Morris Levy (80) and led him from the property to safety, turned off the electricity to the smoking cooker and closed the kitchen door to prevent fire and smoke from spreading.

Speaking about the incident George said,
‘I feel slightly embarrassed to be labelled as brave, because I heard the alarm and noticed the smoke, being first on the scene just meant that I did what any other person would have done.
I just hope that the gentleman I now know as Mr Levy is recovering ok, it must have been a great shock to him finding himself in that situation.’

Stevenage Fire Station Commander, Ian Parkhouse, said:
 “I am pleased that George had the knowledge to take the appropriate action in the event of a fire, this has helped to prevent a small fire from turning into a more serious one.

“If you discover a fire, it is very important to not put your own life in danger; get out, stay out, and dial 999. A working smoke alarm and a planned escape route could help save your life - make your escape plan and test your smoke alarm today.”

Although the kitchen was filled with smoke, the fire did not do a lot of damage and Mr Levy is now recovering at home having received first aid at the scene.