Quick-thinking Matt praised by Fire Chief for bravery after stamping out flames at Rushden flat fire

A member of the public, who helped to prevent a fire spreading through a block of flats in Rushden, has been commended by the Chief Fire Officer for his bravery.

Matt Welsh, 28, was helping to convert a Ford transit into a campervan at his brother’s home in Rushden when he heard a nearby fire alarm sounding and saw a plume of black smoke rising.

The fire, which happened on September 28, started in a flat and spread to the residents’ curtains and carpet while they tried to move an ignited frying pan outdoors from the kitchen.

Matt was working on rewiring the campervan in the car park, behind the block of flats, when he saw what was happening and jumped into action.

He scaled a fence and a wall to reach the flat and used a dry powder extinguisher to put out the fire, which he had purchased just 20 minutes earlier to install in the van.

He said: “I went in the door at first and stamped out the flames as much as I could while covering my face and holding my breath.

“My brother came running round with the fire extinguisher, so I quickly got hold of it and put the flames out.

“We bought the fire extinguisher earlier that day for the van in case there was ever a pan fire, so it was perfect timing really.”

Not only did Matt extinguish the fire but he cared for the resident – who sustained burns and smoke inhalation – until crews arrived.

Matt met firefighters at the front of the building and was able to direct them to the flat and explain how the incident had unfolded.

He also explained the extent of the resident’s injuries.

Matt added: “I was really pleased knowing that I had helped someone and potentially stopped the spread of fire in the block of flats.

“It was a mixed feeling of shock and relief.”

Matt has been commended for his incredible effort in extinguishing the fire, stopping the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, preventing further potential harm, and for his efforts to calm and reassure the resident.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “I’m thrilled to be able to award Matt with a commendation for his bravery.

“His swift intervention proved to be the difference between a small fire in the corner of the room and a blaze that could have potentially engulfed the whole flat and spread to other properties in the block.

“His willingness to help bought our crews valuable time and undoubtedly showed the power of quick response in critical situations.”