Watch: Hero neighbour rescues Tipton woman from blaze

Fire has badly damaged the bungalow in Sandgate Road, destroying the bedroom and causing smoke damage through out.

The woman, namely locally as Ann Richards, was rescued by her quick-thinking neighbour Mick Dabbs as the fire took hold in the early hours of yesterday.

Mrs Richards has been treated at Sandwell Hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Mr Dabbs, aged 68, a retired factory worker, was watching the snooker on television when the blaze started.

After seeing smoke coming from the back door of the bungalow, he woke his partner, 66-year-old Lisa Stafford, before dashing outside to help.

Mrs Richards was sitting dazed at her kitchen table and he grabbed her hand to bring her outside moments before firefighters and paramedics arrived.

Firefighters today thanked Mr Dabbs for his fearless efforts as he told of the drama and chaos of the late night blaze.

"It was terrible. The smoke was really choking," he said. "She is nice lady. You just do it to help someone really.

"It has left the house in a terrible state. Everyone is still in shock about it really.

Mrs Dabbs added: "It was pretty bad - it was toxic smoke. It was terrible. The smoke was just pouring out.

"I went over and it was black smoke. I managed to get in through the door. I could barely see, but then I saw her sitting at the kitchen table.

"I just grabbed her hand and shouted 'come on, Ann, get out'. I was chocking but I managed to just lead her out."

Mr Dabbs brought Mrs Richards back to his own home, then without a thought for his own safety, dashed back across to the bungalow to see if her cat Tommy was still inside.

But luckily the pet had escaped into the garden in fear of the flames and he was able to get out of the home with no injuries apart from a sore throat.

"I tried to get back inside but the smoke was too bad. I didn't think about myself really. You just do it don't you."

He dialled 999 and within five minutes ten firefighters from Tipton and Wednesbury fire stations arrived.

Crews entered the bungalow wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze which had started when a mattress in a bedroom set alight.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the bedroom but said the rest of the property

Paramedics treated Mrs Richards for smoke inhalation and minor burns to her lips before she was taken to Sandwell Hospital for treatment.

Mr Dabbs said her husband John was by her bedside and she would be staying with relatives.

Miss Stafford added: "You shudder to think what would have happened otherwise. She is lucky to be alive.

"It has all been a bit of a shock. We gave the firefighters some cups of tea because it had been a busy night for them.

Investigations continue into the circumstances of the fire but it was thought to be sparked by a cigarette. This in turn set her mattress alight which caused the blaze in the bedroom at the front of the home.

Station commander, Neil Griffiths, from West Midlands Fire Service, said crews worked hard to minimise the damage.

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "She is a lovely lady.

"I just woke up and saw all the flashing lights. It was chaos."

Station commander, Neil Griffiths, from West Midlands Fire Service, thanked Mr Dabbs for his efforts in rescuing the woman.

"Fortunately for the lady in question she was rescued by one of her neighbours," he said. "I have to thank him for what he did.

"Luckily there was a working smoke alarm inside the property which activated and alerted the lady.

"Our crews arrived within five minutes and this allowed them to carry out a safe and effective operation to minimise the damage."

He said investigations were ongoing into the blaze but the house is uninhabitable at this stage.

Crews left the scene after 3.30am.

Debris was left outside in the front garden in the aftermath of the blaze. Walls outside were blackened by the flames.