Two Avon and Somerset Police officers are being praised for their extraordinary bravery after they rescued an elderly woman from her smoke filled home during a rapidly escalating house fire in Yate.

On the evening of Saturday 15 November 2025, PCs Jack Civill-Williams and Amy Montague were returning from an unrelated call when they spotted smoke rising from a property on Witcombe. Trusting their instincts, they immediately diverted to investigate.

When they arrived, they found 56 Witcombe fully alight, with flames spreading quickly towards neighbouring homes. Their radio transmission was the first alert received by Police Control, triggering the urgent deployment of fire and medical crews.

As neighbours rushed outside, the officers were told that an elderly woman remained inside the adjoining property, No. 57. With thick smoke already pouring into the building and the fire advancing, PCs Civill-Williams and Montague made the immediate decision to enter the home, fully aware of the personal risk.

Inside, visibility was deteriorating, and the air was becoming increasingly hazardous. The officers located the woman upstairs, lying in bed and extremely frail, with very limited mobility.

Realising that evacuating her would be slow and physically demanding, they remained calm and reassuring, working together to guide her safely down the stairs and out of the property. Once outside, they placed her in the care of neighbours until further assistance arrived.

Their actions almost certainly prevented a fatality. Entering a smoke filled building without hesitation, they demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and compassion at a moment when every second counted.

In addition to saving a vulnerable resident, their quick thinking ensured emergency services were notified at the earliest possible moment, helping to prevent further damage as the fire continued to spread.

PCs Civill-Williams and Montague went far beyond what could reasonably be expected of them. Their bravery, teamwork and commitment to protecting life exemplify the highest standards of policing.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “PCs Amy Montague and Jack Civill-Williams displayed exceptional bravery in the face of immediate and life threatening danger.

“Acting without hesitation and before other emergency services arrived, they put themselves at serious risk to rescue members of the public trapped by fire.

“Their swift, decisive actions undoubtedly saved lives. This was an outstanding act of courage and professionalism that exemplifies the very highest standards of policing and public service.”

Avon and Somerset Police Federation Chair Tom Gent said: "I am proud to recognise PCs Amy Montague and Jack Civill-Williams for their exceptional bravery and decisive actions.

“Demonstrating outstanding courage and selflessness, they entered a property filling with smoke to rescue an elderly resident, placing themselves at significant personal risk. Their quick thinking and professionalism undoubtedly saved a life.

“Their actions reflect the very best of policing and bring great credit to themselves and the service. On behalf of the Federation, it is an honour to nominate them."