Fire Hero Alan!

Hero Travel Dundee bus driver Alan Fordyce has been praised by a local Mum for helping her and her 14 year-old son to safety after their home in the city became engulfed with flames.

Wilma Mitchell, who lives with her son Scott in the Broughty Ferry Road area of Dundee, was recently reunited with Alan at Travel Dundee's East Dock Street depot and thanked him for everything he did during the horrific incident on 26th June.

"I just want to thank Alan so much for helping to get us out and for noticing the smoke in the first place and realising the house was on fire." Wilma said.

She added; "I thought the door was going to fall in when he woke us up, he was battering it so hard. When I opened the door he told me to get out and asked if there was anybody else in the house. My son Scott was there and so we got him out safely as well."

A very modest Alan was pleased he played a part in leading both Wilma and Scott to safety. He said; "I was driving to work when I noticed the smoke. It was pure chance I was passing because I was out on overtime that day."

"At first I thought it might be the old gasworks off East Dock Street, but then I realised it was coming from the houses nearby.

"I usually turn right at the bottom of Robertson Street, but I knew I had to go the other way and see where the smoke was coming from. The smoke was really thick and I knew I had to get the people out, I just went for it.!

"It was really good to meet Mrs Mitchell and the good thing is that the nobody was hurt, that's what makes me feel happy. I just did what I thought was right. Young Scott tried to go back in to get a pair of shoes, but I just hauled him back and told him to get out."

Tayside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Steve Herron has also praised Alan's actions, saying it was testament to their message of "Get Out, Stay Out, Get The Fire Service Out." Mr Herron said; "Alan deserves the highest praise for the actions he took in alerting the residents. I'm sure I join with other residents in Dundee and the surrounding area in saying a hearty 'well done' to Alan."

On behalf of all staff within the UK Bus Division, we would like to give another massive 'well done' to Alan for his brave actions. A true hero!

Pictured: Wilma Mitchell meeting Alan Fordyce after the incident

Published 6th July 2006