Rose Hill Elementary Student, 5, Saves Family of Four

PHOTO: Gabby Mushahwar, 5, is recognized for her quick thinking that helped save her family from a fire. Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A Rose Hill Elementary student was lauded last week for her brave actions helping save her family from a fire, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCG).

On Monday, Gabby Mushahwar, 5, of the Rose Hill area of Fairfax County, received special treatment at Reagan National Airport Fire and Rescue Station 301 for her brave actions when a fire occurred in her family’s home.

The station is part of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department.

During a late October evening, Gabby woke up to the sound of the smoke alarm beeping and quickly crawled to her parents’ room to alert them of the fire, according to MWCG. The family quickly exited the home safely and immediately called the fire department.

Gabby’s mom, Amy, explained that Gabby stayed calm and instructed the family to get low and check the doors for heat before going outside to their designated meeting place. Gabby’s parents attributed her swift actions to a fire safety lesson she learned at the Dulles Plane Pull, back in September.

Gabby’s family had visited the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) fire and life safety booth at the event in which she participated in the “Plan Your Great Escape” obstacle course. The obstacle course was designed to educate children (and families) about fire safety and teach them what to do if there is a fire in their home. Gabby was able to apply the skills she learned that day when the fire occurred.

The fire and rescue crew of Station 301 along with members of the MWCOG Life Safety Committee honored Gabby, their hero, by making it her special day; she learned about the tools and gear they wear, and had the opportunity to ride on a fire truck.

Over the past few years, the MWCOG group has utilized the “Plan Your Great Escape” obstacle course as an educational tool at major events reaching over 7,000 kids in the national capital region. The MWCOG Fire and Life Safety Committee would like to remind residents about the importance of practicing fire safety and injury prevention skills every day! Visit your local fire and rescue station to learn more about what you can do to prevent a fire in your home.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Fire and Life Safety Committee consists of several fire and rescue jurisdictions in the metropolitan region including Prince William County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Alexandria, District of Columbia, and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority among others. These fire and rescue personnel come together from around the nation’s capital to develop a unified fire and life safety message based on the needs of the region.