Firefighters have been praised for risking their own lives to save two brothers from a burning flat in a suspected arson attack.

Crews rushed to Forth Close in Peterlee at 1.15am on December 14 last year, where a bin fire had spread to a first floor flat trapping brothers Blaine, 10, and Cameron, 21, inside while dad Paul Beattie was at work.

Blaine, suffered 40% burns and was left in a coma in hospital fighting for his life, with the family homeless just a week before Christmas.

The Northern Echo: Blaine, 10, suffered 40% burns and was left in a coma in hospital.Blaine, 10, suffered 40% burns and was left in a coma in hospital. (Image: FAMILY)

One of the family’s two pet dogs also died in the blaze.

Police continue to treat it as a suspected arson attack.

On Monday the firefighters who were first on the scene were honoured for their bravery that cold December night.

The Northern Echo: (L to R) Station Manager Jono Holmes, Crew Manager Vaughan Godber, Crew Manager Andy Slater, Firefighter Demi Strange, Firefighter Mark Dale, Firefighter Clive Hudson, Firefighter Mark Rafferty, Firefighter John Laidler, Watch Manager Michael Corfield, Cllr John Shuttleworth, Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps. (L to R) Station Manager Jono Holmes, Crew Manager Vaughan Godber, Crew Manager Andy Slater, Firefighter Demi Strange, Firefighter Mark Dale, Firefighter Clive Hudson, Firefighter Mark Rafferty, Firefighter John Laidler, Watch Manager Michael Corfield, Cllr John Shuttleworth, Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps. (Image: CDDFRS)

Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps, who presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation, said: “This incident demonstrates the professionalism, the speed of thought, the decisiveness, and the quick action of our crews.

“There is no doubt about it, if Peterlee White Watch had not responded in the way that they did, then we could have had a very different outcome.

“It is a huge privilege to be able to recognise the swift actions and the work of crews who rescued the two brothers and undoubtedly saved their lives.

“The whole Service is incredibly proud of them.”

The Northern Echo: The scene of the blaze.The scene of the blaze. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Councillor John Shuttleworth, Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, has echoed the Chief Fire Officer’s praise.

He said: “It takes a lot of bravery to do the role of a Firefighter and dedication such as that shown by this crew deserves to be recognised.”

Blaine spent two months in hospital following the incident but is recovering well and in February visited the Peterlee Fire Station to thank the crew who saved him.

Watch Manager, Mick Corfield, from Peterlee White Watch, was on shift the night of the fire.

The Northern Echo: Paul and Blaine Beattie.Paul and Blaine Beattie. (Image: FAMILY)

He said: “It is fantastic to see the crew recognised for their actions on that night and I am so proud of them.

“We train hard to ensure that we are always ready to respond to incidents like this and it is fantastic to be able to mark the successful outcome with this honour.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 3 months for just £3, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

“I would encourage everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes and that people are testing them every week.

“If you need smoke alarms fitted – we can fit them for you.”

Durham Constabulary have issued a re-appeal for information into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call the force on 101 and quote incident 34 of December 14 or can contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.