x
Breaking News
More () »

4-Year-Old Boy Saves Family from Burning Home

TOWANDA — A three-story home on Third Street in Towanda is damaged beyond repair after flames ripped through the house Monday afternoon. “You could ...
brad fire folo

TOWANDA -- A three-story home on Third Street in Towanda is damaged beyond repair after flames ripped through the house Monday afternoon.

"You could see just flames and smoke. It was pretty sad," Eleanor Montonya said.

Investigators say the fire started in a second-floor room before quickly spreading throughout the house.

Deveron Wilcox, a volunteer at the Red Cross in Towanda, said the hero of the fire was the youngest member of the family.

"It was the 4-year-old boy that woke the family up and got them all out safely," Wilcox said.

Montonya, who lives across the street, says if it wasn't for the 4 year old, the outcome could have been a lot worse.

"The little 4 year old was upstairs and he saw smoke in his brother's room and stuff. He came running down to the grandmother and told her that his brother Brandon's room was on fire," Montonya said.

Firefighters say two of the family's cats died in the fire, but everyone made it out safely including two dogs.

The Red Cross says the five victims range from 4 to 80 years old.

Neighbors say what makes the fire even more devastating is that today is the little boy's birthday.

"I think not being able to have his birthday party at his house and not having his cake and ice cream like he's supposed to when he's 4 years old. You know those things are important for a 4 year old," Montonya said.

Keith Long, one of Towanda's borough council members, is hoping the community will come together to help the family.

"No matter what tragedy, it seems like people rise to the occasion and they have a charitable spirit," Long said.

"They're in a hotel with limited space so during the coming days we'll learn more of how they're going to recover and how the community can help," Wilcox said.

The cause of Monday's fire on Third Street in Towanda is still under investigation.

Before You Leave, Check This Out