Courageous Yorkshire Water employee receives West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service district commander’s appreciation

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has awarded Yorkshire Water employee, Olly Bell, with a district commander’s appreciation for his heroic actions when he came across a fire in Huddersfield town centre. 

While on standby shift and heading to a job, Olly noticed smoke coming from a takeaway restaurant with several flats above it with open windows, which caused smoke logging. Without hesitation, he parked his lorry, called emergency services, and rushed into the building to warn residents and help them to safety. Thanks to his quick thinking, everyone was safely evacuated before the fire service arrived and tackled the blaze.  

Julian King, Huddersfield watch commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “What Olly did that day was truly selfless and went above and beyond. Whereas some people might have carried on with their day Olly not only alerted us, but actually went out of his way to alert the residents as well. 

“At scenarios like this early warning is critical and I have no doubt with his actions Olly has saved people from potential serious harm. He should be very proud of himself and that’s why I contacted my district commander to make sure Olly’s bravery was recognised.” 

Olly Bell, waste resolution jetting technician at Yorkshire Water, said: “I just did what I thought any other person would do. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to be injured, trapped, or worse if the fire spread. It was just instinct to try and help.” 

WYFRS said the cause of the fire was likely an electrical fault in the takeaway’s kitchen area.