A boy who was rescued from a burning building in Peterlee has been reunited with the firefighters who saved him.
In the early hours of December 14 last year, emergency services were altered to a report of a bin fire in the Forth Close area.
Ladder 1 from Peterlee White Watch rushed to the scene and were in fact faced with a well-developed fire in a first floor flat – more than the initial report of a bin fire.
They concentrated their efforts on putting out the blaze and rescuing 10-year-old Blaine Beattie and his 21-year-old brother, Cameron Beattie, from a first floor window.
They provided the brothers with medical care, before crews from Peterlee and Wheatley Hill, as well as other emergency services arrived at the scene.
Both brothers were taken to hospital, where Cameron was treated for a burn to his right arm and little Blaine suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body.
Sadly, a family dog died in the fire.
The fire is being treated as suspected arson by investigating force, Durham Constabulary.
After two months in hospital, Blaine is now home and being supported by his family.
To help him make sense of the events of December 14 2024, last week he visited Peterlee Fire Station to meet some of the firefighters who rescued him that night and tour the station.
Blaine’s dad Paul said: “This has been the most awful experience of our lives, a living nightmare.
“We have moved into a new home and Blaine will go back to school next month.
“As we start looking towards the future I thought it would be helpful for Blaine to meet the firefighters who saved him and his brother.
“To everyone involved in his rescue – thank you so much, there aren’t really words to express our thanks.”
Delighted to host Blaine, Watch Manager Mick Corfield, who was on shift the night of the fire, said: “Us firefighters are always thinking about the people that we’ve helped and wondering how they’re getting on.
“With Blaine being so young, and me being a father of two boys, his story really stuck with me. That’s why it was such a pleasure to have him come to the station and see him up and about but, most importantly, smiling.
“His road to recovery is still on-going but everyone at CDDFRS continues to wish him well and will welcome him back to the station with open arms.”
He added: “Looking at the photos of Blaine in hospital is difficult but it serves as a reminder just how dangerous fire is.
“That’s why will continue to encourage everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes and that people are testing them every week.
“If you need smoke alarms fitted – we can fit them for you.”
Detectives from Durham Constabulary have issued a re-appeal for information into the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 and quote incident 34 of December 14 or can contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.
CDDFRFS offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to all residents in County Durham and Darlington.
To book a visit call 0345 223 4221 or visit ddfire.gov.uk.
Blaine's family have shared hospital photos to help highlight the devastating effects a fire can have.
