Sherylee Ryder 10, Sheriece Ryder 9, and Lavina Grant 10, were riding along Griggs Street on Saturday afternoon when they heard a smoke alarm.

The girls investigated and noticed smoke pouring from one of the windows.

Sherylee rode back to her home to tell her mother and along the way spotted her aunt, Gina Smith.

“I told her that there was a fire and the alarm was ringing so she called the firemen and the police, then I went and told my mother,” she said.

“Then we all went back to see if everything was alright.

“My mum and Aunty Gina were banging on the door because they could tell that someone was inside, but they couldn’t wake them up.

“Then the police arrived, kicked in the door and dragged the man out.”

Sherylee’s mother, Kaylene Kenny, said the man had just woken up and looked shocked and confused.

“It could have been a terrible outcome,” she said.

“The man was very thankful, he knew his life had been saved.

“It must have been his lucky day because usually we’re all at football around that time of the afternoon.

“But our favourite team, the Eagles, had a bye so we didn’t go down to the oval.”

Police said the man had finished work, had a few drinks, put some food on to cook and had fallen asleep.

While the house hadn’t actually caught alight, it was just a matter of time.

Acting Superintendent Megan Rowe praised the girls on their initiative.

“There’s no doubt their actions helped to save this man and he is extremely grateful to them,” she said.

“This incident highlights the worthiness of Neighbourhood Watch and keeping an eye out for each other.

“It also shows just how useful smoke alarms can be.”