On the morning of April 15, 1986, Michael Bell saved the lives of two children trapped in the basement playroom of a burning townhouse. He had been working across the road when he noticed a commotion and saw smoke issuing from the house. He learned that two children were still inside. Taking a wet towel from a neighbour, Mr. Bell entered the smoke and fume filled house. He crawled to the basement door and heard the children coughing. He called to them but was forced to go back out for air. He entered a second time, holding a flashlight; this time he managed to open the basement door before again being forced out for air. A third time he entered and, reaching the stairwell, slid down the stairs on his side. He felt the children's bodies with his foot. Bending, he grabbed their clothing and carried the unconscious children up the stairs and outside, where firemen revived them.