A 12-year-old boy from Virginia risked his life to save his family from a blaze at his home. The fire department praised his quick thinking as selfless and “heroic.”
According to a press release by Petersburg Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, the incident occurred on Tuesday. Authorities explain that Ramir Parker, 12, was talking to his grandmother upstairs when he heard a loud crackling noise inside his home at 2001 Burks Street. Parker first thought it could be his baby brothers, just one and two years old. However, when he walked into the hallway, he noticed black smoke coming from the basement.
The press release says that he yelled, “Fire!” to his grandmother, who asked about the youngsters. Parker reportedly ran into the smoke-filled living room “without hesitation,” grabbed his brothers, and led everyone out of the burning house. The fire department explains, “Ramir saved lives today. His quick thinking and selfless bravery are nothing short of heroic.”
Addressing the young man, the press release says, “You showed the heart of a fireman today and the soul of a warrior.”
According to the Progress Index, emergency services received the call at approximately 8:51 AM. The fire department reported “heavy fire” on both sides of the property.
The Fire Department Says The Boy’s Bravery Saved His Family
The Progress Index also explains that everyone in the burning building got out safely, thanks to Ramir. Captain Jerren Lucas Sr. reportedly said, “Ramir saved lives today. His quick thinking and selfless bravery are nothing short of heroic. In a moment where seconds mattered, he stepped up just like a firefighter would. Just like a protector does.”
Battalion Chief Braden Peter told WTVR he saw the black smoke three miles away. He said, “They were on fire across the front yard and across the street.” It reportedly took the fire department roughly 20 minutes to tame the flames. A nearby power line had also caught fire, making the job more difficult.
Authorities have ruled the cause of the blaze as “accidental.” They believe an “electrical issue downstairs” may have triggered the fire.