Police were the first emergency responders at the scene of the house fire in Lingmell Close, West Bridgford.
They discovered that the front door and porch area were ablaze and were informed that a woman was inside the property at around 3 am on 19 July 2024.
Officers worked to put out the fire at the front, while Police Constable James Cantrill went to the rear of the property and entered the smoke-filled house.
He found the woman in an upstairs bedroom and stayed with her until fire crews arrived, assisting them in getting her out.
The woman was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
An investigation by detectives revealed that a man who lived at the address had set fire to his own home after igniting a blaze in a wheelie bin.
Clive Hawker, aged 54, of Lingmell Close, has now pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He is due to be sentenced on 3 April 2025 at Nottingham Crown Court.
PC Cantrill said:
“You join the job to help people, and when dealing with situations like this, you realise the need for quick thinking and positive action, often putting the needs of others before your own.
“I managed to gain access to the home and locate the woman through thick smoke. She was lying on the floor in a confused state.
“She was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation and was clearly very frightened.
“I moved her to an open window, where we had to stay until the fire service arrived with breathing apparatus for us both to use to exit the house.
“Time was vital, and my instinct to preserve life was paramount throughout the incident.
“I’m pleased to have helped her, and she was very grateful. It was a great relief to discover that she had not suffered serious injury and has made a full recovery.”
Detective Constable Tony Tonks, who investigated the house fire, said:
“PC Cantrill demonstrated immense bravery in locating this woman through dense smoke.
“I have no doubt his dynamic decision-making saved her life.
“A detailed investigation by officers has now led to Hawker admitting these very serious offences.
“Lighting any fire can have catastrophic consequences, and it is thanks to PC Cantrill and other officers working with fire service colleagues that no one suffered serious or lasting injury following this incident.”
A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“People should avoid lighting fires that can get out of hand easily, including bin fires.
“Not only can fires spread quickly and cause damage to homes, but surrounding environments can also be impacted.
“We ask that everyone tests their smoke alarms on a regular basis and that any smoke alarms not working are replaced.”
