RACINE, Wis. — The City of Racine Fire Department is sharing a vital safety message after rescuing a 4-year-old boy from a house fire. 

What You Need To Know

  • The City of Racine Fire Department recently rescued a 4-year-old from a house fire

  • The firefighter who saved him emphasized the importance of practicing fire safety and having a plan, including:
        Have a fire safety exit plan with your family
        Practice the exit plan
        In the event of a fire, have an outdoor meeting place
        Never go into a burning building, even if someone is inside
        Alert firefighters if someone is inside as soon as they arrive on scene
        Keep bedroom doors closed while you sleep and even while you are away from home
 

At 2:21 p.m. on July 17, the Racine Fire Department was called to a house fire. Engine 2 arrived to the house to fight the flames just minutes later; they got word that a 4-year-old boy was still inside the home.

Lieutenant James Derwae went inside and found the boy hiding under his bed. He was unresponsive, but crews were able to resuscitate him. The boy was taken to a hospital for treatment.

“There were a lot of people on scene, and it was very hectic,” Derwae said. “I don’t know what guided me there, maybe a higher power, but I went to the next bedroom and that’s where I found the child.”

Derwae said there was something in particular that helped keep the child safe while fire spread.

“The bedroom door was closed, so all the heavy smoke and fire that was in the neighboring bedroom did not get into that bedroom, and that’s a reason for the positive outcome,” he said.

According to the Racine Fire Department, keeping bedroom doors closed while you sleep, and even while you are away from home, is a good habit to maintain.

“Keeping doors closed can prevent smoke damage and keep temperatures down, potentially preventing extensive fire damage,” Racine Fire Lt. Dave Nagl said.

Nagl said it’s also important not to go back into a burning home or building, regardless of what or who might still be inside.

“One of the residents tried to get back inside to rescue the child after realizing there was a fire,” Nagl said. “While I don’t blame him for that, that’s a way more people can get hurt.”

The Racine Fire Department encouraged everyone to have a fire safety plan that includes a meeting point outside. That safety plan should be reviewed and practiced regularly. 

“When you see smoke, you get low, and get out,” Nagl said. “You have to trust that everyone will go to the meeting point, and if they don’t, when fire crews arrive, immediately tell them where that person might be.”

For Derwae, the experience of helping save a young life is one he’ll never forget.

“When you sign up, you know you want to save people, but not everyone gets the chance to save a child’s life,” he said.

The boy’s mother, who asked to remain anonymous, said she’s thankful he’s back home after a brief hospital stay. She expressed gratitude for everyone who played a role in his rescue, including the firefighters.

Right now, the fire is still under investigation.

It’s a reminder of just how quickly things can happen and how taking some small steps now, such as closing doors and practicing escape plans, can make all the difference when every second counts.