Mum Vicky McLennan visited Otley Fire Station to pay tribute to the firefighters who rescued her and her daughter after a blaze broke out in her home in Pool-in-Wharfedale, near Otley, earlier this year.
This was a serious fire that started accidentally in the airing cupboard and quickly spread, trapping three occupants inside the house.
Vicky, 42, and her nine-year-old daughter, Isobelle, were trapped in the top floor attic room unable to escape.
Fortunately Vicky had a mobile phone and made a 999 call which went through to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Control Room, who mobilised fire engines from Cookridge, Rawdon and Otley stations.
The call operator, Helen Cullen, kept on the phone with Vicky, reassuring her and giving her advice on how to prevent smoke inhalation, termed fire survival guidance.
Meanwhile, neighbours spotted the fire and quickly took action to rescue a man from the first floor of the property before the arrival of firefighters.
Firefighters arrived and rescued Vicky and Isobelle from the top floor. Both were unconscious and not breathing at this time.
They were given life-saving treatment by firefighters before being taken to hospital by Ambulance, and have since made a full recovery.
Area Manager Nick Smith from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service presented all individuals involved in the rescue with a Letter of Appreciation at a gathering at Otley Fire Station.
Area Manager Nick Smith said: “I was honoured to be able to pay tribute to everybody involved in this rescue, from the neighbours who put themselves in danger, to the control room operators who provided vital guidance to Vicky and her daughter who were trapped in the attic room.
“And finally I commend the tremendous efforts of the fire crews who took quick and decisive action to rescue Vicky and her daughter and then provided life-saving treatment until the arrival of the Ambulance crews.
“It was great for us all to see Vicky and her daughter healthy and well and reunited with the people who saved their lives.”
Vicky said: “It really means a lot to me to be able to thank the firefighters and the neighbours who came to our help that night.
“It could have been a lot different, we were very, very lucky.
“I appreciate that I am still here to tell the tale and having listened to the 999 call, it is quite distressing. It has been quite emotional being reunited with everyone.
“The firefighters were there in minutes and one of the neighbours has since told me that the fire engine had barely stopped and they were running.
“I just thank God it ended well and Isobelle is well.”
The fire happened at the house, in Wharfe View, shortly before 11pm on the evening of April 14, 2016. The neighbours who received commendation were Simon Jackson, Lee Wright and Steven Rowan.
The NYFRS Control Room operators who received commendation were Helen Cullen and her colleague Viv Horton.
The firefighters commended were from Cookridge, Rawdon and Otley fire stations.
