Tributes paid to fire crews

A neighbour has paid tribute to fire crews who rescued a family’s pets and their belongings from their burning home on Christmas Eve.

Crews tackled the blaze overnight from 8pm as it tore through the roof of a family home on Main Street, East Bridgford.

A man, his Norwegian partner, and their two children, aged 14 and seven, had been enjoying a traditional Norwegian Christmas Eve dinner when they were alerted to the fire by a passer-by who noticed flames coming from the attic.

Mrs Julie Marston, also of Main Street, said the family left the house before fire crews arrived.

She said she felt helpless as she watched tiles fall on to the street below.

She said the firefighters worked through the night to save as much of the house as possible.

“The fire crews did not leave until about 4am and did everything possible to help the family save precious belongings and Christmas presents,” she said.

Neighbouring houses were evacuated as a precaution.

“The fire crews were truly amazing and need a massive thank you from the community in general for their unsung heroism,” said Mrs Marston.

“The crews organised support and made the building safe but it will be some time before the family can move back in again.

“They have been so brave and, despite having lost so much, have just taken the view that they are all glad to be alive.”

Firefighters rescued the family’s pet gerbil and hamster and saved music equipment.

Crews from Bingham, West Bridgford, Carlton, and a high-rise appliance from Highfields, were at the scene.