Two Derry men have been praised as 'heroes' after a couple were rescued from a house fire in Derry yesterday evening (Wednesday).

The fire broke out at a property in Meadowview Crescent in the Rosemount area at around 7pm.

A couple were in the flat at the time. 

The blaze was started as the result of a chip pan going on fire, pictured above.

Gary Smith, who was walking his dog in the area at the time, noticed the smoke and acted quickly by smashing the window of the property with a can of dog food.

Mr Smith was then helped by Stephen McCallion, and they rescued the couple inside the flat.

They were then taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

A number of fire appliances were then tasked to the scene.

Speaking to the Derry News, Gary Smith told of the moment he noticed the fire.

“I was walking past and I saw the smoke, but I couldn’t get into the place, so I put a can of dog food through the window and we went in and got him out of there,” he said.

Commenting, independent councillor for the area Darren O’Reilly said the ‘selfless’ actions of both men could well have saved the lives of the person in the property.

“These men are heroes and I’d like to thank them on behalf of the community for their selfless actions,” he said.

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