A MAN who rescued a girl from a burning house after climbing out of a window on to the roof today played down his actions, saying anyone in the same situation would do the same.
Hero Andrew Lynch was returning home from an evening out at around 11.30pm on Sunday when he saw flames coming from his neighbour's house in Thorn Street, Rawtenstall.
The 21-year-old saw his mother outside the house and quickly ran inside his house, emerging from his skylight window onto the burning roof, to rescue 11-year-old Samantha Lord.
He said: "It was just one of those things, lucky timing. I saw Karen at the front bedroom window and then remembered where the kids' bedroom was, so I ran upstairs, climbed out of the window onto the roof.
"The roof was really slippy because it had been raining and the smoke was thick and black, Samantha was screaming but I managed to get her out.
"I did not think about it at the time, I was just concentrating on getting Samantha out. I was not scared because I was trying to get her out.
"I just did what any other person, knowing somebody was up there, would do in that situation. I am quite surprised at all this attention."
As the drama unfolded, another neighbour, Tim Justice, managed to rescue Samantha's brother Daniel. The 11-year-old jumped into his arms from an upstairs window. The children's mother, Karen was dragged unconscious from the fire by firefighters. She was taken to Burnley General Hospital after inhaling smoke.
Barry Ryan, Station Commandeer for Rawtenstall Fire Station, praised the rescuers but said home-owners should be aware of fire safety.
"The community response by neighbours in rescuing people in their house was fantastic. It is fantastic there is still a community spirit," said Mr Ryan.
"People need to be aware of fire safety. Fit smoke alarms, close downstairs doors when going to bed and if your door is locked make sure you know where the keys are. These simple things all save lives."
Sub Officer Simon Fryer said at the time of the incident Andrew's heroics was the bravest he has ever seen.
He added: "He climbed out of his attic window before scaling a slippery roof, in treacherous conditions.
"This is beyond the call of duty and an extremely brave thing to have done."
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