Milkman's action saved man's life (From Witney Gazette)

Milkman's action saved man's life

2:37pm Friday 17th February 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

A SECURITY guard who narrowly escaped from a fire has thanked the quick-thinking milkman who raised the alarm.

Tim Cooper-Harris, 41, was on his morning round in Chipping Norton when he smelled smoke and heard a fire alarm at Bob Tanner's flat, in Fox Close.

58-year-old Mr Tanner had fallen asleep while cooking a meal early on Tuesday last week.

Thanks to the prompt action of Mr Cooper-Harris, a milkman for Dairy Crest, in Witney, firefighters broke down the door and pulled him to safety before he was overcome by smoke.

Mr Cooper-Harris, of Kingham, said: "I was doing my round at about 2.30am.

"I deliver to a couple of people at those flats, and I thought I could smell something funny.

"This demonstrates, yet again, the value of smoke alarms."

Bob Burell, Banbury station officer

"I could hear a smoke alarm going like anything, so I looked through his letter box.

"I couldn't see any flames, but I could smell the smoke.

"It was a horrible smell.

"I used to live over the road from Bob, and I thought he would be working a night shift, so I thought the flat was empty, and wasn't too worried.

"I rang the fire brigade and I saw them arrive, but because I thought the flat was empty, I just carried on with my round."

Mr Cooper-Harris, a milkman for six years, later spoke to his brother, Martin a retained firefighter in the town, who was called to the job and realised Mr Tanner had been at home.

He was congratulated by Banbury station officer, Bob Burrell, who said: "I would praise and commend the milkman for his vigilance and quick-thinking action in calling us. It was very fortunate he did.

"The man had left food cooking in his grill and fallen asleep, which is not uncommon.

"The two firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to get through the flat, as it was heavily smoke-logged.

"This demonstrates, yet again, the value of smoke alarms. If the alarm had not been heard and the fire service called, he would have been at risk of being seriously affected."

Mr Tanner, who needed medical treatment after the fire, said: "I hope he drinks whisky, because I'm going to buy him a bottle to say thank you."

Two or three breaths of smoke can be enough to render someone unconscious, and can be fatal.

The fire service recommends everyone has a working smoke alarm.