Tim and Nikki Horobin have received a special commendation award after rescuing two elderly residents from a house fire in Branston, Staffordshire. The incident took place on December 9 last year when the couple were out shopping and spotted smoke coming from a property on Clays Lane.
The pair called 999, and Tim entered the home to check whether anyone was trapped inside. He carried a 77-year-old woman out of the building and guided a man in his 80s to safety after discovering him on the landing.
Quick thinking during a shopping trip
Nikki Horobin quickly called the emergency services and flagged down a local resident to confirm the exact address of the property. Tim then ran into the house and found a fire in one of the bedrooms, where he discovered the woman in her 70s.
While carrying the woman out, he spotted the man in his 80s standing on the landing and guided him out of the property as well. The couple remained with the two elderly residents, comforting them until fire crews arrived at the scene.
Recognition at Burton Community Fire Station
Both rescued individuals were checked over for smoke inhalation following the incident. Tim and Nikki were presented with their special commendation award at Burton Community Fire Station on Wednesday, September 2.
Chief Fire Officer Glynn Luznyj, who presented the award, said: “Nikki and Tim’s actions were nothing short of heroic that day and thanks to their bravery, nobody was seriously hurt in this incident.
“Whilst I would never advise that people enter a house fire, I have no doubt that Nikki and Tim saved two lives that day.”
Service praises lifesaving actions
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the couple were recognised for their actions, stating: “Two people who rescued an elderly couple from a house fire in east Staffordshire have been recognised with a special commendation.”
The spokesperson added that Nikki and Tim remained with the elderly couple until crews arrived, and both rescued residents were checked for smoke inhalation. The commendation highlights the couple's decisive response during the December incident.
