A man being hailed as a hero has described how he helped to save a man from a burning building in Tarring, West Sussex. Tom Jimpson told BBC Radio Sussex that it was "adrenaline taking over" when he used a metal sign to break down a door at the property on Castle Road on Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025. Another passer-by, Graham Head, went into the building to pull the man to safety, although the victim was badly burned.
Jimpson recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the rescue. He had just dropped his daughter off at nursery when he noticed thick black smoke billowing across the road. "We could hear someone banging on the door from the inside," he said. "You have to react in [a] split second. It was very difficult to get to the door because the smoke was coming from the window above." The situation escalated quickly, with the gutter on fire, windows blowing out, and the UPVC starting to melt as the glass shattered.
With flames intensifying, Jimpson and Head realized they had to act fast. "Graham just ran for it," Jimpson recalled. "He had his work boots on with steel toe caps; he just kicked the door, got it by the handle, and it swung open. This was all in about a three, four-minute window." Fortunately, they managed to get the man out just in time.
Meanwhile, in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, a similar act of bravery unfolded late Wednesday night. A neighbor alerted a man around 10:24 p.m. that his home was on fire in the 700 block of Calder Avenue. The resident, who had been sleeping, was able to escape along with his dog. Fire Captain Scott Gehringer reported that there were no signs of smoke inside the house when the resident was alerted.
Firefighters from Ypsilanti Township, assisted by crews from the city of Ypsilanti and Superior Township, arrived on the scene and brought the fire under control in roughly 15 minutes. The blaze was primarily contained to the attic space and the ceiling of the home’s bedroom. However, the fire caused significant damage, estimated at around $90,000, and displaced two residents. The Red Cross is currently assisting them.
The incident in Ypsilanti Township serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the quick actions of neighbors in times of crisis. As Captain Gehringer noted, the timely alert from the neighbor likely saved the resident's life. Fire crews remained on the scene for approximately two hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.
Both incidents highlight the heroism of individuals who, in the face of danger, act quickly to help others. Whether in Tarring or Ypsilanti Township, these moments of bravery remind us of the strength of community and the importance of being alert to potential dangers.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue is still investigating the cause of the fire in Tarring, while the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze on Calder Avenue. As investigations continue, both communities are left to reflect on the bravery displayed by ordinary citizens in extraordinary situations.
