Keizer Girl Rescued by 14-Year Old Brother in Morning House Fire (PHOTOS)

"This is a perfect example of how a working smoke alarm and a home evacuation plan worked and likely saved the lives of all four occupants." -Joel Stein, Fire Marshal with Keizer Fire

Photos courtesy: Joel Stein/Keizer Fire

(KEIZER, Ore.) - A Keizer woman says her 14-year old son pulled his sister from the child's burning bedroom during a house fire this morning at 2:15 a.m.

Joel Stein, Fire Marshal with Keizer Fire, says the 6-year old sister was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation by Keizer Paramedics on scene but did not require transport to the hospital.

He says firefighters were called out to the reported house fire at 417 Kestrel Avenue North after the occupant reported that the house was on fire.

Stein said, "Firefighters arrived at 02:19 and reported heavy thick smoke and flames coming from a front window of a single story residence. Initial reports from the mother, Angel Martinez stated that everyone was out of the house and accounted for."

Firefighters entered the home and began searching the smoke filled building to confirm the report of all out. During the search they encountered a fire in a front bedroom. Stein says a quick knock down of the fire limited the majority of the damage to the bedroom.

Keizer Paramedic Mike Tinker credits 14-year old Baltazar Delgado with saving his sister's life.

Stein says he interviewed Baltazar as part of the investigation, and was provided this account.

"Baltazar states he was awakened by the smoke alarm sounding in the hall. He jumped out of bed and immediately ran to his sister's room across the hall. Upon opening her bedroom door he encountered flames in the corner of the room with thick smoke to within one foot of the floor. His 10-year old sister was just getting out of bed, but his younger 6-year old sister was still in bed in the upper bunk. He grabbed her and they evacuated to the front of the house."

Stein states that, "This is a perfect example of how a working smoke alarm and a home evacuation plan worked and likely saved the lives of all four occupants."

"Baltazar is a real hero, and deserves credit due for rescuing his younger sister."

As for the cause, Fire Marshal Stein has determined that a candle was left unattended on a table which ignited the bed and nearby combustibles in the room.

Preliminary loss estimates are placed at approximately $25,000.00.