Mid & East Antrim Mayor praises firefighters for Ballymena rescue

Cllr Ashe said that firefighters using breathing apparatus very bravely entered the house in Woodcroft Brae on Tuesday evening.

“I wish to record my sincere appreciation for the work of the NI Fire and Rescue Service,” he said.

“They found the woman in a smoke-filled, downstairs room and rescued her and then continued to search as there were fears that children were in the property. Thankfully, that proved not to be the case.

“While the woman was unconscious when she was rescued, the firefighters undoubtedly saved her life and I look forward to her making a full recovery.”

Twenty-nine firefighters from Ballymena, Antrim and Kilrea along with two officers, four fire engines and a command vehicle attended the scene and tackled the blaze.

The Mayor added that the NI Fire & Rescue Service and the other emergency services, such as the PSNI and the NI Ambulance Service consistently serve the community across Northern Ireland.

“When we enjoy holidays like Christmas and New Year, the emergency services are there 24/7, and that dedication needs to be acknowledged as often as possible,” Cllr Ashe said.