A Westminster City Council worker has been commended as a hero for his courageous actions in saving an elderly disabled woman from a fire in a Notting Hill flat.
Quick-Thinking Rescue in the Face of Danger
The incident unfolded on the morning of 27 November 2025 at around 11am on St Luke’s Road. Ioan Florin Zele, a road worker for the council's civil engineering contractor FM Conway, was working nearby when the emergency began. Two residents emerged from a basement shouting that a fire had broken out in a ground-floor flat and that an elderly resident was still trapped inside.
Without hesitation, Ioan entered the burning flat alone. He located the resident and carried her to safety. He then stayed outside with the woman, keeping her warm until the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade arrived roughly ten minutes later.
Official Praise and a Life-Saving Intervention
Medical responders confirmed the woman had inhaled a significant amount of smoke and stated her rescue was critical, noting the situation "could have been fatal" had she not been removed when she was. Firefighters praised Ioan for his effective, fast, and courageous response.
On 16 December, Ioan and his colleagues were invited to Westminster City Hall to meet the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg. The Lord Mayor formally commended his heroism, stating: "This was an extraordinary act of bravery and selflessness. Ioan Florin Zele’s courageous actions undoubtedly saved this woman’s life, and on behalf of the City of Westminster I extend my heartfelt thanks to him and his colleagues." FM Conway also expressed immense pride in Ioan and his team's professionalism and bravery.
Fire Safety Warning Issued After Accidental Blaze
The fire, which destroyed part of the ground-floor flat in an end-of-terrace house, was brought under control by 12.13pm. Investigators believe it was accidental, caused by the unsafe use of smoking materials.
In the wake of the incident, the London Fire Brigade issued a stark safety warning. A spokesperson urged: "If you're a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life." The public is advised to use the Brigade's online Home Fire Safety Checker to identify potential hazards.
This event stands as a powerful testament to the quiet heroes within local communities, whose swift actions can prevent tragedy.
