In June 2021, Paul O’Brien, a 47-year-old father, narrowly escaped a devastating fire that erupted in his Lytham, Lancashire home after a disposable barbecue caused £100,000 worth of damage.
The incident occurred after Paul and his friends enjoyed a football match between Russia and England, concluding the evening with a barbeque at his three-bed semi-detached property.
Their home had turned into a fiery inferno as the blaze from the bin engulfed their property, leaving them only moments to escape.
Becoming a firefighter was his way of not only expressing gratitude for being alive but also of helping others and preventing similar tragedies.
Reflecting on the incident, Paul acknowledges that the main thing was their survival.
As he continues his new career as a firefighter, Paul hopes that by sharing his experience, others will learn from his mistakes and take the necessary precautions to prevent similar tragedies.