26 February 2024 , 14:12
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A brave schoolboy almost killed in a suspected arson attack has had an emotional reunion with the firefighters who saved his life.
Blaine Beattie, 10, suffered 40 per cent burns to his body when he was trapped in his home after a fire in a wheelie-bin spread to a first floor flat. Both Blaine and his brother Cameron, 21, were asleep at the time of the attack and were pulled to safety by firemen. The family, of Peterlee, County Durham, lost all their belongings in the blaze, at 1.15am on December 14 including presents their dad Paul had bought for the boys.
Blaine was rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he underwent lengthy treatment and was moved to the burns unit. His family shared a photograph of the youngster in hospital to highlight the devastating effects a fire can have. Cameron was treated for a burn to his right arm and a family dog died in the fire.
After two months in hospital, Blaine was allowed home and last week visited Peterlee Fire Station to meet some of the firefighters who rescued him that night. Dad Paul said: "This has been the most awful experience of our lives, a living nightmare. We have moved into a new home and Blaine will go back to school next month. As we start looking towards the future I thought it would be helpful for Blaine to meet the firefighters who saved him and his brother.
Blaine Beattie recovering in hospital (Beattie Family / CDDFRS / SWNS)"To everyone involved in his rescue thank you so much, there aren't really words to express our thanks." The fire is being treated as suspected arson by police, who arrested a man in his 20s at the time. He has since been bailed. Watch manager Mick Corfield, who was on shift the night of the fire, said firefighters are "always thinking about the people we've helped and wondering how they're getting on".
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He added: "With Blaine being so young, and me being a father of two boys, his story really stuck with me. That's why it was such a pleasure to have him come to the station and see him up and about but, most importantly, smiling. His road to recovery is still on-going but everyone at CDDFRS continues to wish him well and will welcome him back to the station with open arms.
Blaine Beattie even had a go at being a firefighter (CDDFRS / SWNS)"Looking at the photos of Blaine in hospital is difficult but it serves as a reminder just how dangerous fire is. That's why will continue to encourage everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes and that people are testing them every week." Detectives have issued a re-appeal for information into the incident.