TWO neighbours saved a young brother and sister who were trapped in their burning house while firefighters pulled their mother to safety last night.
But fire chiefs today warned that the blaze could have resulted in death after fire crews were delayed because they were tackling a deliberate fire at the other side of town.
Young Daniel Lord, 12, and his sister Samantha, 11, were rescued from their smoke-filled bedroom in Thorn Street, Rawtenstall, at around 11.30pm. Their mother, Karen, 34, was dragged from her bedroom by firefighters Wayne Howarth and Darryl Wood after falling unconscious from smoke inhalation.
She was given treatment at the scene before being taken to Burnley General Hospital and was today said to be in a stable condition.
Neighbours were alerted when flames were seen coming from the windows and roof last night at around 11.30pm.
The family were all in bed when neighbours Tim Justice and Andrew Lynch came to their rescue.
Tim, 34, provided a ladder for Daniel to escape from his upstairs bedroom window and 21-year old Andrew climbed out of his skylight window to to get on to the roof to rescue Samantha.
The family's greyhound was also rescued when firefighters searching the house found him cowering under the bed.
A police officer was also taken to hospital, suffering smoke inhalation, after trying to help the family to safety.
Daniel and Samantha spent the night at a neighbour's house, while their father, Brian - who was out at the time - spent the night by Mrs Lord's side.
Sub Officer Simon Fryer said: "Both men deserve a bravery award. Andrew's act is one of the bravest I have ever seen.
"He climbed out of his attic window before scaling a slippery roof, in treacherous conditions, to rescue Samantha. This is beyond the call of duty and an extremely brave thing to have done."
Today Tim said: "Someone had a ladder and I shouted for Daniel to come down and caught him when he jumped.
"A neighbour and kicked the door in and tried to smash a window. The a policeman and I tried to get in the back door but the smoke was too thick."
Dave Jackson, assistant divisional officer, added: "This house fire has resulted in two areas of concern.
"Firstly to the residents of Rossendale who are being put in danger by mindless individuals who insist on starting deliberate rubbish fires.
"These fires take up valuable time and in this instance delayed us getting to this serious house fire."
The house wasn't fitted with a smoke alarm which the fire chief said could have alerted the family to the blaze much sooner.
Fire bosses are planning to nominate the courageous pair for a Lancashire Fire and Rescue bravery award.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze was continuing today.
Anybody wanting a free fire home safety check should contact Rawtenstall fire station on 01706 215162.
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