Wigan Council bin wagon driver rescues elderly resident from fire

Andy Bithell, who has worked for Wigan Council for 17 years, was finishing his shift in Atherton last Tuesday (November 24) when he spotted smoke and flames coming from the side of a property.

Without giving it much thought Andy ran to the house and was met by a “flash of flames” and smoke billowing from the kitchen.

After going into the kitchen and wading through black smoke that left him struggling to breathe, Andy saw an elderly man, Barry.

Knowing the flames were getting bigger from a grill, Andy knew he had to get him out straight away.

Fortunately, he was able to escort Barry to safety, with fire crews attending the scene and letting Andy know the man would be okay.

Recalling the day, Andy said: “When I opened the door I couldn’t breathe because of all the black smoke so I had to go back out to take a deep breath in and re-enter.

“When I got in the kitchen I saw an elderly man and flames that were getting bigger and bigger from the grill so I knew I had to get him out straight away.

“It was basically flight or fight mode, it was quite scary but I just knew someone was in there and needed help.”

After escorting the gentleman to safety, fire crews attended the scene and let Andy know that the man would be okay.

Andy telephoned his supervisor to let him know what had happened as he was also out of breath and coughing due to smoke inhalation but didn’t require any medical attention. The crew then carried on with their duties and completed their round.

Coun Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for environment praised Andy for his quick thinking and bravery.

Coun Prescott said: “I would like to thank Andy for his quick-thinking and bravery. A lot of people say they would act and help in an emergency but it’s another thing doing it in the heat of the moment.

“It’s fantastic to hear the resident is fit and well so once again I would like to thank Andy for going above and beyond. He is a credit to us all and part of our fantastic service who continue to do a brilliant job throughout the pandemic.”

Andy’s actions buy into the heart of the council’s Deal for your Street training programme which employees undergo to ensure they can act as the eyes and ears in the local communities they serve.

Deal for your Street encourages staff to be positive, be courageous , be accountable and be kind.

The Wigan Council driver says he wouldn’t think twice about doing it again and was happy to know that his brave response played a big part in the outcome.

“I am just happy to know the man is doing well as that’s all that matters at the end of the day,” Andy added.

“I would do it again if it happened tomorrow. I would like to think others would do the same for me, you have to look after each other in life.”