Firefighters to be honoured for Shrewsbury blaze rescue

Two Shropshire firefighters who rescued a woman from her smoke-filled home were due to be honoured today for their "extreme bravery".

A "ferocious" fire took hold of the front room of 20-year-old Laura Smith's home in Shrewsbury as John Bee and Richard Brazier ran inside to save her.

Miss Smith's brother Sam, 18, had leapt 40ft to escape the flames but broke his wrist and was treated in hospital after the incident in the early hours of July 9.

Mr Brazier and Mr Bee, wearing breathing apparatus, got into the living room of the property in Severn Terrace, off Smithfield Road, where they were faced with blazing furniture, the kitchen well alight and flames engulfing staircase spindles.

There was a banister rail leading to the upstairs where three people were believed trapped.

"The speedy and courageous actions of firefighters John Bee and Richard Brazier saved the life of Laura Smith," said Paul Raymond, who was today due to present them with the Chief Fire Officer's commendation. "It was genuine and dedicated public service."

Mr Brazier said it was the most dramatic rescue of his 18-year firefighting career.

He said: "There was choking black smoke throughout," adding: "We made haste and got to the landing and we both shouted hello and amazingly Laura replied very calmly 'Hello I'm in here'.

"She was under the duvet and had opened the window. She grabbed me and I carried her downstairs while John protected us with the hose."