Hero Firefighter Saves Five from Blazing Flat in Chadwell Heath
An off-duty London Fire Brigade officer sprang into action on Thursday night, rescuing five people trapped in a fiery first-floor flat above a shop on High Road, Chadwell Heath.
Off-Duty Hero Spots Smoke, Rushes to Rescue
Station Manager Paul McClenaghan was visiting his mum nearby when he spotted smoke billowing in the distance. Without hesitation, he headed straight to the scene.
“I could see a woman screaming from a window. Her escape route was blocked by thick smoke,” said Paul. “I flagged down a builder’s van and told them to call the Brigade immediately.”
Quick Thinking and Bravery Save Lives
Using a ladder borrowed from the van, Paul climbed up and rescued the frantic woman. He didn’t stop there – he went back inside the smoke-filled flat to lead four more occupants to safety.
“My firefighter training kicked in – it was instinctive. I was just doing my job,” he added.
Fire Brigade Praise and Safety Warning
All five people, plus Paul, received treatment for smoke inhalation from the London Ambulance Service at the scene. Fire crews swiftly doused the flames, limiting damage to just part of the ground and first floors.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Al Perez praised Paul’s bravery but urged the public not to take matters into their own hands. “Call 999 first. Firefighters are trained for these situations – don’t attempt a rescue yourself,” he warned.
The fire is believed to have started due to unsafe disposal of smoking materials like cigarettes or matches. The Brigade responded at 7.15pm and had the situation under control by 8.45pm, with crews from Ilford, Romford, and Hainault on scene.
