Four police officers are being praised for the rescue of a man from a burning unit in the State’s north-west.
About 10am (Thursday 2 March 2023), emergency services were called to Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge, following reports of a unit fire.
On arrival, officers attached to Central North Police District found the unit well alight and heard from concerns from neighbours an occupant was still inside.
Four police officers entered the unit, where they located the 69-year-old man in his bedroom and carried him to safety.
After evacuating other neighbouring units, police attempted to extinguish the blaze before NSW Fire & Rescue took over.
The 69-year-old man was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and shock. The four officers also suffered smoke inhalation.
Acting Superintendent David Piddington said the officer’s swift response saved the man’s life.
“The way these officers showed no hesitation of putting their lives in danger to save another shows their commitment to the Lightning Ridge community,” Acting Superintendent Piddington said.
An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the blaze; however, it is not being treated as suspicious.
