COMMUNITY HERO

Modest dad battled through thick smoke to rescue eight people from fatal fire – but he says anyone else would have done the same www. dailyrecord ourheroes. co.uk

FEARLESS Darren McNiven raced into a burning building to rescue eight people – then went back in for their pets.

The father of two never gave a thought about his own safety as he helped his neighbours escape the smoke and flames.

Darren, 38, was woken by an alarm and when he looked out his window, he was confronted by the sight of a nearby building ablaze.

He said: “It was the middle of the night and I thought it was one of the kids’ phones going off and got up to switch it off.

“As I walked towards the bedroom, I realised the sound was coming from outside. I looked out of the window, saw the flames and quickly threw some clothes on.

“I just wanted to do what I could to help.”

When Darren, from Grangemouth, arrived at the scene, an elderly woman was already trying to escape but was struggling against thick smoke in the hallway.

He guided her to safety and went back inside the burning building, shouting and banging on the doors of the other three properties in the block to alert people to the danger.

Darren said: “My first thought was to get the woman out. I could see how scared she was.

“I tried to get into another home next but the fire was too intense. I was pushed back by thick smoke and flames.

“There was one couple with two children and a lady who wouldn’t leave without her cat. Other residents had dogs and I managed to get them all out safely.

“At that point, the fire service turned up and they were able to take over.”

Sadly Darren wasn’t able to reach one man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two women suffering from smoke inhalation were taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

Darren’s wife Lindsay arrived as he was being checked by paramedics.

He said: “They wanted me to go to hospital straight away but I wanted them to look after those who were in most need.

“I had to get medical help later on because of the effects of the smoke I’d inhaled.

“It wasn’t until afterwards that I realised just how dangerous the situation was, but I couldn’t stand back and do nothing.

“My main concern was getting everyone out. I still think about the man I couldn’t reach.” Darren’s bravery is the reason he’s been nominated as a Community Hero at the Daily Record Our Heroes awards sponsored by Utilita Energy.

He said: “It’s a real surprise and