Saved from the flames

An Essex postman and Scout leader has taken the motto ‘be prepared’ to another level by helping stop a fire that could have killed a sleeping tenant in a nearby home.

Lee Edwards had finished his round in South Ockendon when he noticed fire spreading from a burning shed. He alerted the fire brigade and hammered on the doors and windows of an adjacent house after spotting two cars parked in the driveway in danger of being engulfed by flames.

‘It was 2pm when I saw thick black smoke,’ said Lee. ‘I’m a Scout leader so I knew it wasn’t normal. The shed was ablaze and I could see gas pipes running up the side of the nearby house. I was able to wake the tenant just in time, as the doors and windows of the property were already melting with the heat.

‘I’d like to think anyone in my situation would have done the same. I was just doing my duty.’

The home, which is rented out by a local church, was occupied by a young man whose partner and children were not at home. It has now been gutted following the blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Church secretary Alan Hobbs, of Belhus Park Chapel, said: ‘Mr Edwards’ timely action prevented what could have been a tragedy, rather than just damage to property.’

Rezwana Rahman, Lee’s manager at South Ockendon delivery office said: ‘I heard about Lee’s actions and I expected him to tell his colleagues but he was very humble.

‘Because of his Scout training, his instinct kicked in. Other people may not have seen the danger but had it not been for him, the fire could been so much worse.’