THE heroic actions of a Barrow woman who rescued four children from a house fire have been recognised by BAE Systems.

Shipyard worker Carolanne McInally was on her way back from work on Thursday June 22 when she spotted smoke coming out of a property on Salthouse Road.

After calling the fire brigade, she, alongside another couple, stopped to help any neighbouring properties affected by the smoke.

She grabbed four children from one of the affected houses, one of whom was just a couple of months old and drove them to safety.

She said: “They didn’t even know a fire had broken out. I just grabbed all four of their kids and put them in my car. The smoke was so bad at that point, I couldn’t see my hand in front of me and my car was filling with smoke so I just had to drive off.

“I held the kids close to me and covered them with a jacket. One of them was just a couple of months old – they were all under five. I could barely see to drive because of all the smoke.

“Luckily everyone was fine, I’m glad we got out when we did.”

More than a dozen properties were evacuated due to the blaze, several of which have since been deemed ‘uninhabitable’.

In recognition of her bravery Carolanne has been awarded BAE Systems’ chief fire officer’s Certification of Commendation.

READ MORE: Heroic woman saved four children from Barrow fire

The certificate reads: “In recognition of Carolanne’s selfless act of bravery which resulted in people’s lives being saved, when a fire occurred in the town.

“Carolanne’s quick thinking and actions supported the safe evacuation of a number of people from the burning building.”

Carolanne said she feels ‘shocked’ and ‘so honoured’ to receive the award.

READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life

She said: “I was totally in shock when I received the email from the comms team. I didn’t know what to expect. I met with the chief fire officer for BAE and with the director of Barrow BAE. It was something i never expected especially with it not happening in work. I feel so honoured to receive such an award as they are few and far between.”

A 30-year-old man from Barrow arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the incident is on bail pending further inquiries.