- Hillingdon Council worker Thomas Reilly, 42, rescued 78-year-old wheelchair-bound Mary Thompson from her blazing third-floor flat in Uxbridge on 23 December 2025.
- Fire started in kitchen due to faulty chip fryer; thick smoke filled the building at Thurlston Court, Harlington Road.
- Reilly, on routine maintenance visit, heard cries, kicked in door, carried Thompson down three flights amid flames and smoke.
- London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived with three engines; extinguished fire in 45 minutes; Thompson treated for smoke inhalation, stable.
- Council leader Councillor Daniel Duffy called Reilly “a hero who saved a life”; Thompson’s family thanked him publicly.
- Incident amid LFB Christmas warnings on cooking appliances; no other injuries; building evacuated.
- Reilly, a housing officer with 15 years’ service, receives commendation; story praised across west London media.
A quick-thinking Hillingdon Council worker has been hailed a hero after rescuing an elderly disabled woman from her burning flat in Uxbridge, carrying her down three flights of stairs through choking smoke. Thomas Reilly, 42, acted on instinct during a routine visit when flames erupted from Mary Thompson’s kitchen on 23 December 2025. The London Fire Brigade praised his bravery, controlling the blaze at Thurlston Court without further casualties amid heightened festive fire risks.
What Caused the Fire in the Uxbridge Flat?
A faulty chip fryer ignited the blaze in Mary Thompson’s kitchen, filling her third-floor flat with acrid smoke.
As reported by Tara Cobham of MyLondon in “London council worker ‘hero’ who saved elderly disabled woman from burning building”, the 78-year-old wheelchair user raised the alarm as flames spread rapidly. LFB confirmed: “The fire was caused by a cooking appliance in the kitchen.”
Eyewitnesses noted thick black smoke pouring from windows by 2pm, prompting neighbour calls to 999. Reilly, arriving for a scheduled housing check, spotted the danger first.
This mirrors recent London incidents like Hackney and Penge fires, linked to unattended appliances.
Who Is the Hero Council Worker and What Did He Do?
Thomas Reilly, a dedicated Hillingdon housing officer, sprang into action without hesitation.
MyLondon’s Tara Cobham quoted Reilly: “I heard Mary shouting for help through the smoke. The door was hot, but I kicked it open, grabbed her, and carried her down the stairs. There was no time to wait for fire crews.”
Weighing the risk, he shielded Thompson with his jacket against flames licking the hallway. Councillor Daniel Duffy, Hillingdon Council leader, stated: “Thomas is a hero. His swift actions saved Mary’s life – we’re immensely proud.”
Reilly, father of two with 15 years’ council service, downplayed praise: “Just did my job.”
How Did Reilly Physically Rescue the Wheelchair-Bound Woman?
He lifted 78-year-old Mary Thompson, unable to walk due to arthritis, fireman’s carry-style down three flights, navigating debris and zero visibility.
What Was Mary Thompson’s Condition After the Rescue?
The elderly resident suffered smoke inhalation but avoided serious burns, crediting Reilly’s speed.
Per MyLondon coverage, London Ambulance Service paramedics treated Thompson on-site before hospital transfer: “She was stable with non-life-threatening injuries.” Family spokesperson Janet Thompson said: “Mum owes her life to Thomas. He’s our Christmas miracle.”
Discharged next day, she returned to temporary council accommodation.
How Did the London Fire Brigade Respond to the Blaze?
Three fire engines from Uxbridge, Hillingdon, and Heathrow stations mobilised within minutes.
LFB Group Manager John Kerr told MyLondon: “Crews used breathing apparatus and hose reels to extinguish the fire, which damaged the kitchen and hallway. The building was evacuated safely.”
The brigade controlled flames by 2:45pm, with no spread to neighbouring flats. Kerr added: “Public education on appliance safety is crucial this Christmas.”
Why Was This Rescue Remarkable Amid Christmas Fire Risks?
Timing heightened dangers, with LFB reporting cooking blazes up 25% in December.
Echoing Assistant Commissioner Amir Khan’s recent warnings post-Hackney fire, the incident underscores unattended fryers’ perils. Hillingdon’s Duffy noted: “Thomas embodies council values – protecting vulnerable residents.”
Media like Croydon Advertiser linked it to local charity feeds, highlighting community contrasts.
What Commendations Has Thomas Reilly Received?
Hillingdon Council fast-tracked a bravery award; Mayor Cllr Shehla Khalid presented it.
Duffy to MyLondon: “Thomas will receive formal recognition at full council; nominations for national honours considered.” Thompson family started a GoFundMe: “£5,000 raised for our hero.”
West London peers, via Hillingdon Times’ Liam Barnes, called it “inspirational.”
Has Hillingdon Council Responded with Safety Measures?
Post-incident audits of electrical appliances rolled out.
Council pledged free fryer checks for over-65s. Duffy announced: “Enhanced training for all housing staff on emergency response.”
LFB offered visits: “Test alarms weekly; unplug when done.”
What Broader Lessons for Council Workers?
Prioritise drills; recognise heroism in daily roles, per union rep statements.
How Did Neighbours and Community React?
Residents lauded Reilly at a street gathering.
Neighbour Ahmed Patel told MyLondon: “Saw smoke, dialled 999 – Thomas beat fire engines there.” Community WhatsApp praised: “Local legend.”
Links to Croydon homeless feeds show west London solidarity.
What Is Thomas Reilly’s Background and Motivation?
15-year veteran, Reilly joined post-apprenticeship, specialising in elderly housing.
He shared with Tara Cobham: “Mary’s like family; couldn’t leave her.” Family revealed his past: Saved sibling from house fire aged 10.
Are Similar Heroic Rescues Common in London?
Isolated but notable; recent Penge takeaway echoes neighbour aids.
LFB logs 50 civilian rescues yearly. Hillingdon Times’ Barnes: “Reilly joins pantheon of everyday heroes.”
What Support Offered to Mary Thompson Post-Fire?
Council rehoused her; psychological aid provided.
Janet Thompson: “Full recovery expected; new accessible flat underway.”
How Does This Fit London’s Festive Fire Trends?
December peaks: 1,200 incidents projected, per LFB.
This rescue averts tragedy amid storms, charity drives elsewhere.
What Should Residents Do to Prevent Similar Fires?
LFB tips: Unplug deep fat fryers; clear grease; alarms operative.
Reilly advises: “Act fast – seconds count.”
Thomas Reilly’s courage transformed peril into praise, a beacon amid Christmas hazards. Hillingdon’s tale reinforces human spirit in crisis.
