“Thank God my daughter alerted us” – the reaction of a neighbour who warned residents of two blocks of flats that an oil tank was on fire close to their homes.
The alarm about the blaze in Carnhill in Derry was raised at 6.35am yesterday.
A number of elderly residents – most of whom had been asleep in their beds at the time – were among those who were led from their homes.
The blaze is believed to have been started deliberately and is being investigated by police.
Barry McDowell, Fire Service area commander, said those evacuated had a lucky escape.
Neighbour Katrina Cassidy, commenting on a report on the incident on the Derry Daily Facebook page, praises the actions of the emergency services and says she hopes those responsible will be brought to justice.
Neighbour Katrina Cassidy.
Katrina says: “Thank God my daughter alerted us to this fire and we were able to get there before police and fire crew arrived.
“Every second is crucial at times like this. My husband did a fantastic job helping get those people out with the help of the emergency services who arrived promptly.
“A lovely young couple who were passing by also did an amazing job.
“I just hope who ever did this gets caught.”
The incident has been widely condemned.
Sinn Fein councillor for the area, Elisha McCallion,, has urged anyone with information about who was responsible to contact police.
She said: “This must have been a very frightening experience for the residents particularly as this fire took hold early in the morning.
“I would like to commend the quick response from the Fire Service in helping save the lives of the residents and the Housing Executive for ensuring that residents do not have to leave their homes as a result of the fire.”
SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins said the blaze would have resulted in the loss of life only for the “prompt actions” of neighbours.
Cllr Dobbins said: “The residents of these flats were asleep and only for the prompt actions of people nearby there definitely would have been a tragedy.
“As a former Carnhill resident for over 20 years it is heartening to know that the friendliness and support of neighbours still exists.”
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