Hero Firefighter Saves Woman from E-Bike Blaze Peril in Catford
On the Edge: Woman Clings to Roof Amid Thick Smoke
Firefighter Stephen Ladley faced a heart-stopping rescue last year during a fierce e-bike fire in Catford. Arriving on scene, he spotted a panicked woman hanging onto the roof’s edge two storeys up – with smoke choking the air below.
Calm and quick-thinking, Ladley called for a 9-metre ladder and kept the woman talking as her grip started to fail.
Death-Defying Rescue: One-Hand Grab on Wobbly Ladder
As Ladley climbed the ladder, the woman slipped on steep slate tiles, nearly plummeting to her doom. Without missing a beat, Ladley grabbed her with one hand while balancing precariously on the unsafe ladder, angled at a dangerous tilt.
Firefighters and the Metropolitan Police bravely steadied the ladder below, giving Ladley the lifeline he needed until an extension ladder arrived. He slid the woman to safety where paramedics rushed to help.
Still Fighting: Ladley Aids Another Casualty
Not done yet, Ladley then turned his attention to another victim down the road. Working with London Ambulance and HEMS teams, he helped treat the man injured in the chaos.
‘Lucky to Survive’: Ladley’s Humble Words
“She was so lucky, it was my lucky day too, we are both so lucky to survive!” said Ladley.
“I’m amazed I stayed so calm with her hanging off my arm while smoke and flames poured out the bathroom window nearby. My hand hurt holding on, but I wouldn’t let go.”
The hero was honoured with the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation by Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff at a ceremony attended by the grateful woman he saved.
