Hero Teen Helped Her Brothers Escape House Fire

A Snellville-area teen is being called a hero by firefighters after she helped her two siblings escape from a Thursday morning fire.

Gwinnett Fire officials credit Ania Polk, 13, a Shiloh Middle School student, with getting her two brothers, ages 7 and 10, out of their burning home on Hall Garden Road just before 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.

Ania and her brothers were asleep when she was awaken by the sound of a smoke alarm and then went downstairs to investigate.

She found the kitchen on fire and smoke in the house.

Her quick actions to wake her brothers and get them out of the house likely saved their lives.

Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said Ania knew what to do from an assignment in health class a few weeks ago. The assignment included creating a home escape plan and checking smoke alarms.

“This incident is a true success story on so many levels,” Rutledge said. “Though the family sustained a loss of contents due to the flames and smoke, they are all safe and sound. Items within a home can be replaced, but human life cannot.

“The Fire Department applauds the teacher [Pamela Scott] for sharing live-saving information with students that truly makes a difference. Firefighters are calling Ania a hero for taking the necessary steps to prepare her home and family in case of fire. Little did she know that she would put those lessons to use weeks later.”

Firefighters responded to the fire initially believing there were children trapped inside, but quickly learned everyone was safe outside.

“Our top priority at any emergency scene is to save lives, followed by property conservation,” Rutledge said. “Firefighters train extensively on the skills necessary to perform rescues under adverse conditions. We are fortunate that we did not have to remove anyone, especially children, from the burning home.”

The fire caused heavy damage to the kitchen and sent smoke throughout the house. It appears to be accidental, but the exact cause has not been determined.

FIRE SAFETY

Firefighters suggest having working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. Families are also encouraged to develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services offers free home safety surveys and smoke alarm checks as part of its community outreach programs. For additional information on home fire safety or to schedule a fire safety presentation, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mailfireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.