Peterlee White Watch Firefighters receive Certificate of Appreciation from Chief Fire Officer, Steve Helps.
Firefighters who rescued two brothers from a burning building in Peterlee have been recognised for their life-saving actions.
At around 1am on December 14 last year, a crew from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's (CDDFRS) Peterlee White Watch were called to a bin fire in the Forth Close area.
However, on arrival Firefighters were faced with a large blaze inside a first floor flat with two people trapped inside.
Crews worked quickly to rescue a 10-year-old boy called Blaine Beattie and his brother, Cameron Beattie, 21, from a first-floor window.
They provided the pair with medical care, before additional crews from Peterlee and Wheatley Hill, arrived at the scene and helped to put out the fire.
Both brothers were taken to hospital, where Cameron was treated for a burn to his right arm and Blaine suffered burns to 40% of his body.
Durham Constabulary is treating the blaze as suspected arson.
On Monday, May 20 the Firefighters who were first on the scene were honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation from Chief Fire Officer, Steve Helps.
“This incident demonstrates the professionalism, the speed of thought, the decisiveness, and the quick action of our crews,” he said.
“There is no doubt about it, if Peterlee White Watch had not responded in the way that they did, then we could have had a very different outcome.
“It is a huge privilege to be able to recognise the swift actions and the work of crews who rescued the two brothers and undoubtably saved their lives.
“The whole Service is incredibly proud of them.”
Councillor John Shuttleworth, Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, has echoed the Chief Fire Officer’s praise.
He said: “It takes a lot of bravery to do the role of a Firefighter and dedication such as that shown by this crew deserves to be recognised.”
Blaine spent two months in hospital following the incident but is recovering well and in February visited the Peterlee Fire Station to thank the crew who saved him.
Watch Manager, Mick Corfield, from Peterlee White Watch, was on shift the night of the fire.
He said: “It is fantastic to see the crew recognised for their actions on that night and I am so proud of them.
“We train hard to ensure that we are always ready to respond to incidents like this and it is fantastic to be able to mark the successful outcome with this honour.
“I would encourage everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes and that people are testing them every week.
“If you need smoke alarms fitted – we can fit them for you.”
Durham Constabulary have issued a re-appeal for information into the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the force on 101 and quote incident 34 of December 14 or can contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.
CDDFRFS offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to all residents in County Durham and Darlington.
To book a visit call 0345 223 4221 or visit ddfire.gov.uk.
