A heroic woman risked her own safety to tackle a van fire

Maureen Taylor was at her desk when she heard a bang, looked out and saw a van on fire.

Without any concern for her safety, she grabbed a fire extinguisher, rushed outside and put the fire out. Mrs Taylor then made sure the fire service was called.

Heroine - Maureen Taylor Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE

Mrs Taylor, of Tiptree, said: "I heard a bang and looked out of the window and saw the van with flames coming from the front nearside wheel. I grabbed the fire extinguisher and pointed it at the fire.

"It wasn't a huge great fire and went out pretty quickly but I suppose it could have been worse."

Mrs Taylor has been given basic fire safety training through work but has never before been called upon to leap to the rescue.

A work colleague at Wyndeham Heron printers in Heybridge, John Beeston, wrote to the Evening Gazette to praise her efforts.

Mrs Taylor was given a box of chocolates by the van driver to thank her for her bravery

Published Friday, June 6, 2003

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