A First Nations band constable has been honoured for his bravery in rescuing a two-year-old girl from a house fire in Manitoba.

There were six children, aged two months to 13 years, asleep in the home on the remote St. Theresa Point First Nation in January 2011.

Four children escaped the fire, while two others were pulled out. One of those, a two-month-old girl later died. (RCMP)

Four children were able to escape, but a two-month-old and two-year-old girl were still inside when band Const. Timothy Mason arrived just after noon.

The home was already engulfed in flames and with no regard to his own safety, Mason entered the home and rescued the two-year-old girl, RCMP stated in a press release issued on Friday.

Mason told CBC News at the time that he climbed into the home through a bedroom window and was crawling through the home on all fours when he saw a small figure.

He got her out and handed her to community members outside.

Gasping for air

Mason's hair was on fire, his hand was burned and he was gasping for breath. He then tried a second time to enter the home to get the baby but was pushed back by the heat and smoke.

He wanted to try again but community firefighters stopped him.

Mason and another person then cut a hole in the side of the home with a chainsaw to get to the baby, who dragged out on blankets.

She later died at the nursing station.

A band official told CBC News at the time that Mason was overcome with grief when he found out the little girl died. He went home, cried and held his own child.

On Feb. 7, 2012, Island Lake RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Noel Allard present Mason with a certificate of recognition and a painting for his heroic actions.

The presentation was held at the St. Theresa Point band office and was broadcast on the local TV and radio station.

According to RCMP, an adult relative was looking after the children but went to a neighbouring residence for a moment when the fire began.

Investigators from the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner said the fire started in a chimney, spread through the attic and ultimately to the rest of the house.