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Heroic boy saves little sister and pet dog from Ramsgate house fire

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:40, 13 September 2023

Updated: 13:19, 13 September 2023

A brave teenager rescued his little sister and pet dog from a household blaze after a faulty electrical fan sent his bedroom up in flames.

Nick Bradfield leaped into action to isolate the inferno, rescue 14-year-old Megan, and rescue Alaskan Malamute ‘Bear’ – all while preventing his family’s Ramsgate home from becoming a charred husk.

Nick Bradfield - who saved his sister and dog from a fire - with his mum Louise with their two dogs. Picture: KFRS

Praise has been heaped on the heroic 15-year-old boy, who swiftly acted while his mum was out of the home, on August 31.

The fire started in Nick’s bedroom when large flames began sparking out of an electric fan as he lay in bed just after 6am.

He managed to safely switch off the plug, alert his 14-year-old sibling Megan and got both of them out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

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By blocking the fire, he managed to prevent the rest of the house from being engulfed.

Unfortunately, he lost everything in his room, which was left “completely black”.

He also got his pet Bear out into the garden and away from danger.

Firefighters used jets to extinguish the fire in Ramsgate. Photo: Stock

The brave teen said: “I didn’t really have time to think but I knew closing the door would stop it from spreading and stop the smoke from getting through to the rest of the house.

“It all just happened really quickly.”

Nick’s mother Louise was out walking their other dog when she got a panicked call from her daughter.

The mum said: “All I could hear was smoke alarms sounding and I ran faster than I’ve ever run before.

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“When I saw my son and daughter standing outside the house, the relief I felt knowing everyone was okay was just overwhelming.

Fire crews were at the Ramsgate blaze within minutes. Picture: Stock

“There was so much smoke coming out of the house – it was a huge shock.

“I just couldn’t believe how the damage had been contained to just Nick’s bedroom. The room is completely black.

“He lost everything in there – which I’m so sad about for him - but we will replace it and the most important thing is that everyone is safe.

“I’m unbelievably proud of Nick – we all are. He saved his sister, Bear, and our entire home.”

Firefighters and three engines arrived within minutes and used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to put out the flames.

Joe Bathurst, station manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Nick’s decision to close his bedroom door not only helped him and Megan to escape safely and swiftly, but it also stopped the fire from spreading - saving the family home.

“Depending on what type of door you have, a closed internal door can hold back a blaze for between 10 and 30 minutes, giving you and your loved ones more time to escape.

“Fires are most likely to start in the kitchen, so it’s extra important to check the kitchen door is shut when you go out or go to sleep.

“Remember, Smoke is No Joke, close internal doors to delay the spread of smoke and fire.”

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