Boys praised for rescue effort
Published: May 16, 2006
THREE Banstead students were praised for their part in helping rescue a disabled man from a blazing flat.
Abu Ogogo, Jon White and Scott Roberts, all Year 11 students from The Beacon School, were on their way back from their lunch break on Tuesday May 9 when they noticed smoke coming from the flat above a shop in Tattenham Way.
The boys saw a man calling for help from an open window with clouds of black smoke billowing from it.
They acted quickly and grabbed a ladder from a nearby van and held it up to the window while two other members of the public helped rescue the man from the burning flat.
The man was taken to hospital.
Two fire engines from Epsom and one from Reigate were called to the fire in the flat above Tattenham Way News in The Parade where two customers from nearby shops had already used ladders to try to rescue the occupant.
Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat and swiftly brought the fire under control.
John Darker, headmaster at the Beacon praised the pupils for their quick thinking.
He said: “We were very proud of the fact that these three students did not pass by but took immediate action to help the victim and to make certain that he was safe.
“It is all too easy these days to give young people of this age bad press while we in schools know how much good they do in the community,
“I hope this illustrates the extent to which our young people of today can be valued and appreciated for their commitment to others.
“My congratulations go to all three for their actions.”
Steve Schooling, Station Manager for Epsom Fire Station praised the efforts of all the public who helped.
He said: “Had it not been for the quick thinking and selfless action of these members of the public, things could have been much worse.
“At its height, the fire had melted the double glazed windows to the kitchen and this was a very serious fire.
“The cause of the fire is being investigated, but initial investigations suggest that the fire started in the kitchen.”
Station Manager Schooling urged local residents to contact the service if they have concerns regarding fire safety.
As part of its commitment to the safety of the community, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service offer a free home fire risk check with appropriate advice and, where necessary, a free smoke alarm.
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