Family Escapes Devastating House Fire in Durham, North Carolina Thanks to Brave Teen’s Quick Thinking

Durham, North Carolina – A family in the Woodcroft subdivision is counting their blessings today after surviving a devastating house fire that broke out in the early hours of April 20, 2023. The mother, Leah, and her two children, Ashlyn, 15, and Mason, 12, were fast asleep when the fire started in the attic.

According to Ashlyn, who was the first to notice the crackling noises, she initially thought a tree had fallen on their house and was making its way through the attic until it would eventually come through onto her bed. She quickly realized the sound was fire and alerted her mother and brother. They rushed downstairs to escape the noise and soon realized the entire top of the house was engulfed in flames.

The family quickly gathered their most important possessions and fled the house, calling 911 as soon as they were safe. Four fire engines arrived promptly and worked to put out the fire, which was finally extinguished by 4:15 AM. The fire department stayed on site until 12 noon to determine the cause of the fire.

The local fire department representative informed the family that the fire was caused by an attic fan that had become covered in pine needles and most likely shorted out, catching the needles on fire. The fire spread quickly, causing extensive damage to the house and leaving it uninhabitable.

The family is grateful for the heroic actions of Ashlyn, who they credit with saving their lives. Her quick thinking and bravery in waking her family and getting them out of the house before the fire could engulf their bedrooms undoubtedly saved their lives.

The family is also grateful for the quick response from the Durham Fire Department and their ability to get the fire out in short order, which undoubtedly saved the lives of their two cats, who were later found hiding upstairs and would have burned to death if not for the fire fighters valiant efforts.

While the family is devastated by the loss of their home and possessions, they are relieved to have escaped with their lives. They are currently receiving support from their extended family as they work to rebuild their lives after this traumatic event.