A father and his two teenage daughters were dramatically rescued from their burning home by a heroic neighbour in the early hours of last Thursday, just days before Christmas.
The Early Morning Blaze
The incident occurred at around 6am on Thursday, December 18, at a semi-detached property on Laxey Crescent in Leigh, Wigan. Neighbours reported being woken by the sound of screams as the fire took hold at the rear of the house and spread with terrifying speed.
Jody Shovelton, a local resident, described the scene to the Manchester Evening News. "It all happened so quick," she said. "Within a minute the neighbour across the road had run over with a ladder to save them. It was unbelievable." The family inside were heard screaming for help as flames engulfed their home.
The Ladder Rescue
The unnamed neighbour acted with incredible bravery and presence of mind. He used a ladder to reach the trapped family, pulling one girl to safety first. A second girl jumped from the property and was caught by another neighbour, before the rescuer returned to help the father escape.
Fire crews arrived swiftly at the scene. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines from Hindley, Atherton and Leigh fire stations were dispatched, along with an aerial ladder platform from Bolton Central and an enhanced rescue unit from Leigh.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the blaze for around eight hours, using three hose reels and a short extension ladder to finally extinguish the flames. The aftermath left the home severely damaged, with windows blown out and the structure blackened.
Community Rallies After Devastating Loss
The family reportedly lost all their possessions in the horrific blaze. In response, their next-door neighbours have set up a GoFundMe page to support them through the devastating loss.
The fundraiser describes the affected family as "some of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet." It aims to help them replace everyday essentials, clothing, furniture, and school items as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. The campaign has seen an outpouring of local support, raising £13,268 so far.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the danger of house fires and the incredible difference that community courage can make. An investigation into the cause of the fire is likely ongoing.
