'We're so proud our son, 4, raised fire alarm'

A four-year-old boy has received a special commendation after alerting firefighters to a blaze in a neighbour's kitchen.

Oliver was playing in the back garden of his home near Cannock, Staffordshire, in September when he smelt smoke coming from a nearby property.

The youngster ran to tell his dad saying someone might need help. Father Ryan then spotted smoke coming from the neighbour's house and called in firefighters.

In recognition of his efforts, Oliver has been given a commendation by Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber and also enjoyed a tour of Cannock Community Fire Station.

Three crews attended and found a gas cooker and carpet tiles had caught alight, although the fire was already out when they arrived.

No-one was injured and crews worked to ventilate the home and isolate the gas and electric supply before making the property safe.

Mr Barber, said: "Thanks to Oliver's keen sense of smell and his awareness of the dangers smoke often represents, he was able to quickly tell his dad about what was worrying him."

He praised Oliver's "alertness and quick-thinking" and his father for taking his concerns seriously.

"You don't expect someone of Oliver's age to know what to do or to make the connection necessarily that smoke means fire," Ryan said.

Oliver's mum Sarah, who is a nursery manager, had been really good in teaching him about safety, Ryan added.

On the visit to the station, Ryan said: "He was a bit overwhelmed with everyone there and all the vehicles.

"But once it had calmed down he really engaged and loved to learn about what firefighters do and how the equipment works.

"He's usually such a shy boy, but we're so proud that on the day of the fire, he persevered and got us to check on our neighbours."

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