Award nomination for PC who saved burning woman

PC Rhona Adams' quick thinking saved the woman's life

A police officer whose quick thinking saved the life of a woman who had set herself on fire has been nominated for a bravery award.

PC Rhona Adams, from West Yorkshire Police, tried to smother the flames with her bare hands after finding the woman in the toilet of a busy McDonald's restaurant in Bradford on in June 2024.

According to the Police Federation, "her rapid intervention not only stopped the fire from engulfing the woman completely but also ensured the safety of everyone else in the area".

West Yorkshire Police chief constable John Robins praised PC Adams' "incredible bravery", which he said was "vital in saving the life of a vulnerable female".

The Police Federation, which has shortlisted PC Adams in the National Police Bravery Awards 2025, said her actions helped limit the woman's injuries to first and second-degree burns.

PC Adams had been working alone when she responded to a report of a missing person who had threatened to set herself on fire.

When she arrived at the scene on Ingleby Road she discovered the woman had set herself alight.

"Without regard for her own safety, PC Adams immediately leapt into action," the Police Federation said.

"Her swift decision-making in those critical moments was the difference between life and death."

'Major incident a real risk'

After dousing the flames, PC Adams used a fire extinguisher to prevent the fire from spreading, helping keep families and children in the restaurant safe.

"The crowded nature of the restaurant meant that a full-scale major incident was a real risk, but Adams' actions ensured that chaos was avoided, and harm was minimised.

"She offered constant reassurance to the injured woman, giving her the comfort and care she needed in those terrifying moments."

The Police Bravery Awards will be held on 10 July.

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