Fire crews praise 'brave' man in hospital after trying to save woman from house fire

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service station manager Steve Jones said the man was alerted to the blaze when he heard fire alarms going off at around 8am on Tuesday morning.

At the time, a woman in her 70s was alone in the house which was on fire, Mr Jones confirmed.

Selflessly, the man rushed inside to try and save her.

“He was looking out for the neighbour,” said Mr Jones.

“He had tried to get in and rescue her but was pushed back by smoke and flames.”

Mr Jones added: “As he was coming out he was met by our crew commander.

“He gave information about where the lady was, so crews came in to extinguish the fire in the upstairs room.”

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the woman did not survive.

Mr Jones confirmed the man was given first aid at the scene before being transferred to the Northern General hospital for smoke inhalation.

“He was coughing from the scene. Brave efforts really,” he said.

Four fire officers wearing breathing apparatus were sent into the house to tackle the fire and search the property – two on the ground floor and two upstairs.

“It was then established that the missing person was deceased,” said Mr Jones.

“Right now our fire investigations team are trying to establish the cause of the fire.”

“There were two working smoke alarms. That was what alerted the neighbour. The upstairs alarm had melted in the fire.”

Police officers wearing hazmat suits were also seen at the house as they photographed the scene before the fire investigations officers began their investigation, as is common practice to ensure the it is not disturbed.

Mr Jones said: “The victim does live with her son and he was out at the shops and came back as the fire as the fire service were arriving.

“We send our condolences to all the family and hope that the man makes a recovering with no long-term injuries.”