A woman was saved from becoming caught in a house fire by an unlikely hero - her pet dog.
Jordan Kent, 26, was running a bath at her flat in Bensham, Gateshead, after a walk with six-year-old Jack Russell terrier Maddy, when she popped into her bedroom to light some candles.
But on returning to the bathroom, she heard Maddy barking in an "odd" way and went to investigate.
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“When I heard Maddy barking, it was so odd, it wasn’t her regular bark as if she was playing, and it was as if she was scared.
“She was in the hallway just barking at the door but I couldn’t see what was on the other side, so I just opened the door slightly and saw flames and smoke, so I closed it,” said Jordan.
“Thank God for Maddy. My smoke alarm hadn’t gone off – I didn’t even know she knew what fire was because she’s never even been around a campfire or anything like that.”
It was later discovered that Jordan’s dressing gown had set alight from one of the candles in her room.
“As soon as I was off the phone after calling 999, I could hear the sirens. The crews were there so quickly to help me,” said Jordan.
“Maddy has definitely been getting extra treats. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know what would have happened, I’m so glad we got out and the firefighters were there so quickly.”
Crews ensured the pair were not harmed in the fire which happened on January 5, arriving just four minutes after the call at 8.20pm, though Jordan and Maddy had to move out of their rented home as the fire damage was so severe.
But watch manager Graeme Jackson, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), who was one of the crew members that night, said not everyone is as lucky.
“Thankfully, the fire was contained to the bedroom because Jordan closed the door. But fires can spread very quickly and cause significant damage in just a matter of minutes. Luckily Jordan heard Maddy’s barking and got out safely,” he said.
“We would always encourage you to check your smoke alarms and if they aren’t working to get in touch. Never cover your smoke alarms as they are the first line of defence against fire and can save your life – not everyone has Maddy to alert them.”
TWFRS can fit smoke and heat detectors for free.
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