Teenager who saved neighbour from blaze is honoured

THE HEROIC efforts of a Yorkshire teenager who helped rescue a neighbour from a burning building have won him a bravery award.

Dominic Woodhead, 17, was praised by the emergency services for his part in the dramatic rescue on Glencoe Gardens, in Kippax, near Leeds.

The apprentice bricklayer was the first person to enter the house during the incident in July 2015 and used a fire extinguisher in an attempt to battle the flames and get to the trapped person.

However, he was prevented from reaching the bedroom upstairs because of the intense flames and thick smoke.

But through quick thinking and refusing to give up hope, he grabbed a set of ladders and was able to pull the trapped resident to safety.

Moments later, the fire caused an explosion in the house.

Mr Woodhead has been awarded a commendation by West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Humane Society for his commitment and bravery in the face of a life-threatening situation.

Speaking about the award, Mr Woodhead said: “At the time of the fire, I didn’t think twice and just wanted to help get the people away from it and into a safe place.

“I’m just a normal brickie from Pontefract and it didn’t even cross my mind that I would receive this kind of recognition for something that came naturally.

He added: “I’m glad I could help and that the family has now recovered from the incident.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s deputy chief fire officer, Dave Walton, said: “There’s no doubt, were it not for Dominic’s selfless actions in rescuing people from the property, the outcome would have been significantly worse.

“We would like to give our sincere appreciation for his bravery and courageousness.”