Binman hailed a hero after saving two people and a dog from a fire during his morning rounds

A BINMAN fought through billowing smoke to rescue two people and a dog from a burning flat.

Steve Whitehouse, 49, saw the fire, caused by a e-bike battery explosion, during his morning pickup run with driver Kevin Marriott.

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The father-of-one climbed a wall three times to reach a balcony.

From there he led a woman, a man and their dog to safety from a first floor flat in Tipton. West Central.

The man, in his twenties, was treated in hospital for the effects of smoke.

Fire Chief Chris Green said: “As we got closer it was clear this was a serious fire.

“I have no doubt that, without Steve’s incredible courage, the outcome could have been very different.

‘I have no idea how he managed to do what he did. It was heroic.

“The fire and smoke came out of the back door of the building like a burner.

‘One save would have been remarkable.

‘Saving the lives of two people and a dog is staggering.

“We will nominate him for official recognition.”