10-Year-Old Boy Saves Baby Brother From Fire

A 10-year-old who woke to find his bed on fire carried his 6-year-old brother to safety from the burning house, the Tacoma Fire Department said.

The boy, who had second-degree burns on his leg, told investigators that he knew from fire safety classes that he should pull his little brother out of the room and run to a neighbor’s house to call 911.

“We have a 10-year-old hero,” said Lt. Charlie Hansen, lead fire investigator. “He knew that when there’s a fire, you get the people out.”

The fire was reported at 4 a.m. Saturday.

The boys told police their mother was not at home, according to a police report. But the mother told investigators she was.

Investigators believe the 6-year-old may have been playing with a lighter and started the blaze.

The home sustained $60,000 worth of damage but did not have any utility service, investigators said.

The case has been referred to Child Protective Services.