28 February 2024 , 13:32
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An unassuming binman hailed as a hero for rescuing a couple and their dog from a devastating house fire had a "cup of tea" at Greggs later.
Steve Whitehouse, 49, was on his trade waste round with bin lorry driver Kevin Marriott when they spotted the blaze at a maisonette at 8am on Tuesday. He leapt over a fence and climbed up a wall to reach the first-floor balcony of the property to reach a screaming woman as the flames quickly took hold.
The Serco employee helped Tiffany Dupree down and then along with Mr Marriott he rescued Zac(corr) Braden and their dog Skye before fire crews arrived at the scene. Ms Dupree reportedly said afterwards how she feels "lucky to be alive".
Fire bosses have praised Steve and said without his "incredible bravery" the outcome may have been "very different" following the blaze in Tipton, West Midlands. Dad-of-one Steve, or Winnie as he is known by his colleagues, from West Bromwich, said: "I saw a young woman screaming from the balcony and all I could think was that I needed to get to her as quickly as possible."
Kevin Marriott (left) and Steve Whitehouse (right), who rescued people from the house fire (Serco/SWNS)"The smoke was getting thicker. I called to anyone else who might be inside and could hear a young man shouting in distress for his dog. I managed to bundle up the dog in a blanket, jumped back down to the ground, and got the owner to throw the dog to me. I then went back up to help him."
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Steve said that after his heroics he enjoyed a cuppa at Greggs before he carried on with his day. He told BBC Radio WM: "They checked me over and I was fine. I went to Greggs, had a strong good cup of tea and I carried on with my day." While Ms Dupree told the Mail: "I feel lucky to be alive- I dread to think what would have happened if not for Steve and Kevin."
Once Steve had completed the rescues, he started banging on neighbours' doors to alert them to the danger as smoke billowed from the property. Kevin tended to neighbours who were evacuated their homes and after "recovering with a coffee" the pair continued with their round. Steve added: "I wanted to be sure that all our customers got their collections. But that's just me it will probably sink in later today what actually happened."
Dramatic photos show the devastation caused to the property when an e-bike battery exploded at the maisonette on Ridgeway Road. The electric vehicle had been charging at the bottom of the stairs cutting off the occupants' escape route as flames came out the property "like a blow torch".
The remains of the house after the fire (West Midlands Fire Service/SWNS)Four fire engines and a total of 19 firefighters responded from Tipton, Dudley, Bilston and Wednesbury fire stations and arrived with four minutes of the 999 call. Tipton Watch Commander Chris Green said: "It was clear as we approached that this was a severe fire. I have no doubt that, without Steve's incredible bravery, the outcome could have been very different.
"I have no idea how he managed to do what he did. It was heroic. The fire and smoke were coming out of the property's rear door like a blow torch. One rescue would have been remarkable. To save the lives of two people and a dog is staggering. We will be putting him forward for official recognition."
Fire crews gave first aid to a man in his 20s before he was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke. A woman, also in her 20s, was checked over at the scene by paramedics. The dog was given oxygen therapy by firefighters. West Midlands Fire Service said the fire affected the entire flat and destroyed its contents. It was extinguished by 9am.
The remains of the maisonette in Ridgeway Road, Tipton (West Midlands Fire Service/SWNS)A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 8.32am to a fire at a private address on Ridgeway Road in Tipton. One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. Upon arrival we found a man with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. He received treatment at the scene and was conveyed to Sandwell District Hospital for further assessment."
Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "I would like to thank Steve and Kevin for their quick-thinking actions and for the way they supported residents and the fire service. Our bin crews already do an important job for Sandwell residents, and I praise Steve, Kevin and the rest of their crew's efforts to continue with the day job and complete the collection round following this incident."