A QUICK-THINKING Dunfermline takeaway boss is being branded a hero after stepping in to stop a neighbouring business burning down.

As the Press reported last week, four fire crews raced to solicitors W&AS Bruce in Chalmers Street on August 21 after passers-by saw smoke coming from the building. 

But before they got there, New Serena takeaway owner Baljit Singh sprang into action to stop the fire from spreading.

Mr Singh was in his shop when he was alerted to the fire by his son at around 8pm. 

Recalling the drama, he told the Press: "I was working at the time and saw maybe 10 to 15 people on the steps outside the shop.

"I then went through to the kitchen and moments later my son ran through saying there was smoke coming out of a building's letterbox across the street. 

"I grabbed my fire extinguisher and sprayed it through the letterbox. People had formed outside and said the fire services would be 10 minutes away. 

"I was just a neighbour helping out. I didn't want to see their building burned down. There's been a lot of teenagers hanging about recently but I think some of them are scared to come back as I've not seen them since."

Charles Campbell, W&AS Bruce, couldn't thank the Good Samaritan enough for his actions.

Mr Campbell said: "He's a real hero as far as we're concerned. The fire was looking really nasty and I think he definitely saved our offices from being completely burnt down. 

"It's great to see a neighbour helping another local business. He was completely selfless and thankfully no-one was effected by the fire.

"He's rushed across and taken steps to avoid a substantial loss of property and, potentially, a loss of life.

"He's reacted positively in a situation where many others wouldn't go anywhere near it.

"When you see large flames the first reaction is to run away. However, he's reacted promptly and pro-actively.

"It's going to cost us between £5,000 and £10,000 to repair but it would've been much more serious if he hadn't intervened. There would be very little business left if he didn't react."

A 12-year-old youth was reported to the Children's Reporter in connection with the fire.