Brave bin man rescued three dogs trapped in burning kitchen

A brave bin man who ran into a neighbour's burning home to rescue their three dogs said he'd done "what anyone else would do". Tom Alexander not only saved the pets, but also isolated the electrics and extinguished the flames with a garden hose.

Tom had been relaxing at his Halesowen home in August when he heard a commotion from a property four doors away. He saw a fire in a kitchen that had trapped three dogs and sprung into action.

He said: “In the moment, I didn’t really think, I just helped. After freeing the dogs, I turned off the electrics and put out the fire, all in one moment.”

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His heroic actions saw him honoured by West Midlands Fire Service and given a Certificate of Meritorious Action from Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Stanton. Tom, who was invited to Haden Cross Fire Station for a presentation last week, also had the chance to meet the firefighters who responded to the incident.

Tom said: “I’ve been taken aback by receiving the award, to be honest. I just did what anyone else would have done—I didn’t expect to be recognised at all."

Watch Commander Leigh Raxster, who was present at the scene, said Tom’s actions were unlike anything he’d seen in his career. He continued: “In my 21 years on the job, I’ve never seen anyone do as much as he did in such a short time.

“Tom took on the role of a firefighter that day without a second thought. A humble man, he did a brilliant job, and we were delighted to welcome him and his family to Haden Cross for his presentation. We - and many others - thank him for his courageous actions.”