Teen Saves Family From Burning Home, Honored By OCFA

SANTA ANA, CA — A 14-year-old boy rescued his family from their burning home in February. Seven months later, the Orange County Fire Authority awarded him with a lifesaving certificate at a ceremony held in his honor.

"Juan Hermosillo of Santa Ana rescued family members when a fire broke out at their home on Feb. 16 of this year," OCFA Capt. John Muir told Patch.

Juan Hermosillo recalled the night in vivid detail. His family returned to the house after celebrating a wedding. Everyone inside was sound asleep, according to Division Chief Jim Henery.

For some reason, Juan was the only person in the home who woke up to the smell of smoke. Getting out of bed to investigate, he walked the hallway and saw thick black smoke and rising flames.

The house was on fire.

"He woke his family, and while his mother and others escaped the flames, Juan returned into the house three times," Henery said.

With the help of others, Juan rescued his step-father, who suffered burns over 20-percent of his body, according to Veronica Diaz, Juan's mother.

"Juan used a garden hose to attempt to douse the flames," Diaz said. She suffered second-degree burns on her arm and suffered smoke inhalation.

"Juan's courageous and quick actions prevented this house fire from turning deadly," Henery said.

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