Orange County firefighters say 10-year-old girl is a hero

Orange County firefighters say 10-year-old is a hero

Walter Pacheco

Sentinel Staff Writer

7:57 a.m. EDT, August 31, 2009


A 10-year-old girl ran apartment to apartment Sunday night, warning residents of the flames and smoke that had engulfed their south Orange County apartment building.

Fire and smoke damage displaced six families from their Lancaster Villas apartments, reports show. The little girl, whose name has not been released, is in the hospital this morning for minor injuries she suffered during the overnight blaze.

Neighbors and Orange County firefighters said the child is a hero.

"This little girl, a really great person, saved us," Lancaster Villas resident Jessica Phelps said in a televised newscast. "She ran knocking on all the doors."

Orange County Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Holton called the girl's bravery "really amazing."

Firefighters said her decisive actions saved lives. Her quick response to the fire is due in part to their ongoing campaign to teach Orange County Public School district students fire safety and medical emergency tips.
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Orange County firefighters say 10 year-old is a hero