Boys rescued from fire
Two young children were rescued today from their burning home by an off-duty firefighter.
Their elder brother, 20, also managed to escape the blaze at their house in Strabane, Co Tyrone.
One of the young boys, aged eight, and the 20-year-old were later treated for smoke inhalation following the ordeal.
Police said the off-duty fireman, who lived nearby, went into the house and managed to pull the children to safety as the flames took hold.
It is believed a chip pan sparked the emergency, which left the house extensively damaged.
Fire service spokesman Bobby Harper praised the actions of the rescuer.
He said: “When he arrived there the kitchen was on fire and the house was pretty badly smoke-logged.
“He was aware, being a neighbour, that there was possibly two to three children in the house so he immediately went upstairs through the smoke to search the bedroom.
“He came across the two children and carried them out. The smoke was very thick.”
Police who later arrived at the scene assisted in getting the elder brother out before more fire crews arrived.
