A WOMAN was yesterday hailed a lifesaver after her actions saved a tenant from burning to death.
Paula Pinkerton, concierge for two council-owned apartment blocks in Gateshead, reacted quickly after a smoke alarm went off in a second-storey flat in Warwick Court, on Tuesday.
She phoned the fire brigade and banged on the door of the flat to alert the occupant.
Firefighters found the tenant unconscious from the smoke.
The man, who has not been named, was treated at the scene but refused to go to hospital.
A fire brigade spokeswoman said the blaze had started after the man put on a chip pan, then fell asleep.
Both the police and firefighters who attended praised Ms Pinkerton for her actions, which saved the life of the tenant, and also prevented the fire from spreading.
Ms Pinkerton, 57, a Gateshead Housing Company employee, said: "I am glad that I played my own small part in helping out one of our tenants."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article