Man saves physically challenged woman from fire

BY EVERARD OWEN Observer correspondent

Friday, February 10, 2012

FAIRY HILL, Portland — A physically challenged woman was saved by a neighbour yesterday as a fire destroyed a five-apartment house just after midday yesterday in this district, leaving eight people homeless.

"I was at my bar and I saw the fire blazing from the other side of the fence," Diamonte Williams told the Observer. "I ran over and I saw this disabled girl sitting on the verandah. When I came, I grabbed her because the fire was coming to her and she was just there shivering. I put her in the bush and got back to the house."

Williams, who said he got scorched on his right index finger and hand, also saved some of the occupants' furniture.

The woman — Andrea Henlon — was the only person at home at the time of the fire.

"I saved a life today and some furniture," Williams said with a smile.

His bravery was appreciated by her mother, Annette Heslop.

"Andrea is alright there now," she said. "It is a good thing this gentleman, the Englishman next door, was here because if it wasn't for him she would have been burnt up. I just have to give thanks," said Heslop, tears flowing down her face.

Naquan 'Brother' McNair also helped to pull furniture from the buring house.

"The two of us started, and him get out the lady and the things them and I tek out some too. Then a taxi man stop and come by and other people come by and start to help, then the fire truck come," said McNair.

Paul Crawford, a contractor who owns the house, said he got a call about the fire. "When I come I see the fire truck and everything burn up. I don't know what to do now and the house was not insured," he lamented.

Dennis Roper of the Port Antonio Fire Brigade said that when firefighters got to the scene, they "noticed that a house to the left side was in danger, so we went from that section to protect that house".

Roper estimated the damage to about $25 million, but said the cause of the fire was not yet known.