Sadly, an 85-year-old man who was saved by firemen from a South Tyneside house fire has passed away.
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) sent out crews to a home in Biddick Hall, South Shields, in response to a suspected domestic fire.
After receiving the emergency call at 5:02 p.m., TWFRS Fire Control dispatched two appliances from South Shields Community Fire Station, and they arrived on the site in a mere six minutes, after the 999 call.
Immediately upon entering the property and donning breathing apparatuses, four firefighters saved the resident from the flames.
Firefighters treated the man urgently on the scene until our North East Ambulance Service colleagues could arrive.
After being transferred to South Tyneside Hospital, the individual tragically died on Sunday morning from his wounds.
TWFRS Area Manager Phil Clark stated: “At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.
“Within minutes of the emergency call, our workers responded to the fire and successfully evacuated the occupant from the premises.
“Firefighters battled valiantly to save the resident’s life, accompanied by additional blue light colleagues.
“Under extremely trying circumstances, they performed incredibly well, and they will also receive any support they require.”
“Northumbria Police will receive assistance from our fire investigation team in order to compile a report for the coroner.
“We always look to see if there is anything we can learn to help keep the communities of Tyne and Wear safe from harm,” the statement reads, “With every fatal fire in the region.”
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends,” a Northumbria Police spokesperson said.
“Police don’t think there was any outside influence in the death or that it was suspicious. The coroner has received a report.
Although the cause of the residential fire is now being investigated, it is not currently thought to have been started on purpose.
As part of their safe and well assessments, TWFRS does free home visits where they can inspect smoke alarms and install new ones.
Employees are also capable of spotting additional fire hazards and assisting residents in resolving problems with their homes.
To get in contact with TWFRS, individuals are advised to either call their freephone number, 0800 032 7777, or fill out a form on their website.
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