'Brave' bakery worker helped man escape flat fire

A "brave" bakery employee has been praised for helping a man escape from a fire that broke out above the store while she was on shift.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the flat fire above Birds Bakery in Town Street, Duffield, at 14:58 BST on Saturday.

Lilith Jackson, from Derby, said she was made aware smoke was coming from the flat above the bakery during her shift and went to alert the tenant, who was asleep inside, before going upstairs to ensure he evacuated safely.

Jackson said: "I've been overwhelmed by the response since and incredibly grateful for how supportive everyone has been. I'm just really happy that he's OK."

Jamie Bird, managing director of Birds Bakery, said the 21-year-old "went above and beyond" to alert and support the man.

"Lilith showed real bravery and community spirit, and everyone at Birds is massively proud of her," he said.

Jackson, who has been working at the Duffield store for a year, said the day was something she will "always remember".

"I was just about to finish my shift when we were alerted to smoke coming from upstairs," she said.

"While my manager called the fire brigade, I continued trying to alert the tenant. Everything happened very quickly and there wasn't really time to think - I just reacted. My main concern was making sure he got out of the building safely."

After "shouting and knocking" to alert the tenant, Jackson said she had to persuade the man to exit the property.

"He must have been in shock as to what was happening, but I tried to calm him down and told him he needed to get out."

"It was just instinct. If anyone needs help, I'm going to help if I can.

"Once the firefighters arrived and I knew everyone was safe, I felt much calmer, although it was only afterwards that the reality of what had happened really hit me."

"It's something we'll always remember, but more than anything, I'm just incredibly grateful that everyone got out safely."

Postmaster of Duffield Post Office Rahil Nagra said Jackson's "bravery may well have saved a life" and has gifted her a £50 gift card in recognition of her actions.

"Lilith was the only one that went, everyone else was watching what was happening, and if she did not go in, wake him up and take him out of that flat, he could have lost his life," said Nagra.

"She was brave, showed courage and at the same time, she just didn't think about herself, she thought about the man who was in there to save his life."

The 25-year-old said Jackson "deserves recognition".

"I don't think there's a lot of recognition in this world, for someone acting brave, doing a good deed," Nagra added.

"I don't think £50 is a lot, I feel like it's just a little thing as a gesture to her, and it sort of sets an example to other people."

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service determined the fire was most likely caused by cooking.

The man, who was out of the property upon the fire service's arrival, was taken to hospital by East Midlands Ambulance Service for "precautionary checks".

Birds Bakery said it is unsure when the shop will reopen and is "continuing to work with the relevant teams to carry out the necessary safety checks".

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager, David Diggins, added: "Lilith demonstrated bravery and selflessness by entering the property to alert the tenant and help him evacuate before the arrival of fire crews.

"Her quick-thinking actions undoubtedly helped ensure the man reached safety and she should be commended for her courage. She put herself at risk to help another person and was thankfully unharmed.

"While we recognise and appreciate Lilith's actions, this incident also provides an opportunity to remind people of the dangers associated with entering a burning building."

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