A MAN who was one of the first people to spot the "apocalyptic" Stourbridge fire has been hailed a hero for saving an elderly neighbour.
Charles Hill saw a fire in a field near his home on Ounty John Lane at around 1.25pm on Thursday.
He initially tried fighting the fire with hosepipes with others, but then realised efforts were futile as the fire raged towards them.
Charles then rushed to rescue an elderly neighbour and knocking on doors to tell people to leave their homes. He was one of the first people to call 999.
The 31-year-old said: "I saw a fire in a field then another plume of smoke in woodland - then a massive fire coming towards Ounty John Lane.
"I rang 999 and helped an elderly man out of his house - I rang 999 for a second time - at that stage it was really bad. I went along knocking on doors to alert people to get out.
"The emergency services came quickly - the speed at which it spread was incredible.
"It's dreadful - it's apocalyptic - it felt like something from out of a movie - it was complete carnage.
"The police and fire have been unbelievable."
Shocking video shows the fire advancing towards his garden and home office.
Thankfully Charles' believes his home is okay - he hasn't been back yet and has had to borrow clothes.
He also thinks the home office where he runs Hill Print Ltd from is also undamaged.
Charles was in Norton today (Saturday August 15) meeting James Cleverly Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government with former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb and residents affected by the fires.
Suzanne hailed him a "hero" for his fantastic efforts. She said his story was "amazing."
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