Humble Hero - Matthew saves friend from fire
Published: September 28, 2004
Matthew Hamilton is being hailed a hero after he re-entered a burning unit to save his friend Jessica Free.
After making it safely out of the Burrill Street South unit with his girlfriend Kristie Todd, Matthew risked his life by returning to the inferno to find Jessica and pull her to safety.
Early Friday morning Matthew woke to the sound of Jessica, 16, coughing.
He said didn’t think much of it but moments later he heard another friend, Simon Heggie, shouting fire, fire.
“I woke up and could smell smoke but I couldn’t see anything,” Matthew said.
“I ran to the window, punched out the fly screen and made sure Kristie got out safely then I left the house as well.
“Simon was out and we started yelling for Jess.”
With the fire growing in intensity Matthew decided to put his life on the line and save his friend.
Wrapping a doona around his face Matthew went back into the house, with the lounge and kitchen area engulfed in flames, and located Jessica.
“I couldn’t see a thing so I had to find her by touch,” Matthew said.
“The fire was really bad, it was blazing.
“I found Jessica in the bathroom.
“She’d been trying to get out the window but was overcome by smoke.
“I pulled her to the window and a neighbour, Tony Flynn, helped me get her out of the house.
“I think I did what any other friend would do,” Matthew said.
“It came naturally and I’m happy she’s going to come through this OK.”
Jessica was unconscious when Ulladulla Fire Brigade and NSW Ambulance service arrived on the scene minutes after an emergency call from neighbour Teddy Thomas at 5:19am.
She was transferred to Milton Hospital and later airlifted to Prince of Wales hospital in a critical condition.
Jessica’s father Danny said Matthew saved Jessica’s life and her could not begin to convey how appreciative he was of Matthew’s heroic effort.
“Jess is alive and will be alright thanks to Matthew,” Danny said.
“It’s been pretty stressful but we still have Jess because Matthew risked his life for his friend.”
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