Ellis Hibbert's neighbour was burning straw in a field on May 18, 1972, when a gust of wind carried embers into the dry grass and the fire spread quickly. Learning that his neighbour was trapped in the conflagration, Mr. Hibbert, with complete disregard for his own safety, walked through dense smoke and smouldering grass until he reached the victim. The rescuer pulled the man out of the area and extinguished the fire on his clothing but, tragically, the victim died from the burns he sustained.