16-year-old saw baby on a flaming house's rooftop—his astute reaction saved the entire family

We are often told to be vigilant for our safety. However, staying aware and acting astutely while mastering bravery can have an impact of a lifetime for many. A 16-year-old boy, Tyler Sowden, heard a baby screaming in his neighborhood, per Cleveland 19. When he spotted the house in flames and the family trapped inside, he immediately stepped out to help and managed to save the entire family. His sharp skill, courageous attempt and astute action are hailing praise from the community as well as the Cleveland Fire Department. “I heard a baby screaming. I saw a kid on the roof and the house was on fire,” the boy told the outlet.

A mother and her children were trapped on the second-floor porch with no help, and the house was quickly burning down. The teenage boy didn’t hesitate to act and ran to get his dad’s ladder. He bravely hurried to the house and rescued the mom and her kids. “I ran and put it up and I got the kids and helped the mom come down the ladder,” the 16-year-old recalled. Another 12-year-old boy reportedly leaped from the second floor to the ground. The Cleveland Fire Department was able to transport all the residents and the teenager unharmed. The footage captured revealed the young boy going up and down the ladder, grabbing the kids and even getting the mom out to safety.

The fire officers noted in an X post that the fire was heavy. Another house in the area was also in flames. In a follow-up post, they revealed, “Sacramento 222 Fire extinguished. $170,000 loss: 2 adults, 3 children displaced. $10,000 loss for exposure house: 2 adults displaced.” When asked what he was thinking when he saw the fire, Sowden replied, “I wasn’t thinking. I just ran to get the ladder.” He owed his bravery and knowledge to his stepfather, who had taught him well. The dad was super proud of his son and noted, “He risked his life. He valued the lives of others more than his and he did what he needed to do. I’m proud of him.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the department is hailing the boy a hero for his impromptu reaction to the fire that saved the family. One of the officers at the department remarked, “Everybody here has been through the academy and was equipped to know what to do. But for that young man to come and do what he did, it's outstanding.” The department shared a picture of Sowden sporting the huge ladder. 

The caption read, “Great job by neighbor Tyler Sowden, who saw the fire from his house, brought a ladder to the scene and rescued the mother, young boy and baby girl from the 2nd floor porch roof. Also, officers James Bellomy and Kerry Adams rescued an elderly neighbor and dog.” People are describing the boy as a “hero" and applauding his smart move. @realrickiraxxx said, “God bless this brave young man. Great job, a true hero.” @smyra40563519 added, “Excellent job by Tyler Snowden! Thank you for your compassion!”