A quick-thinking neighbour is being hailed as a hero after using a sledgehammer to help rescue an 85-year-old woman trapped inside a burning home in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
The Arlington Heights Fire Department said crews responded to reports of a house fire in the 1100 block of North Dryden Avenue at around 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The incident was reported by WFLD.
When firefighters arrived, they learned that a 90-year-old man had already managed to escape the home. But his wife, an 85-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair, was still inside and unable to get out on her own.
As smoke and flames filled the residence, the man’s distress quickly drew the attention of nearby residents. One neighbour grabbed a sledgehammer and smashed through the front door to gain entry into the house.
Rachel Marion, who lives nearby, described the tense moments as the husband watched helplessly from outside. She told WGN that he had to be physically restrained as he tried to rush back inside.
“It was very scary,” she recalled. With the front door broken open, the neighbour was able to get inside the house and reach the woman. According to WFLD, the resident carried her out of the home to safety before fire crews could make entry.
Emergency responders later evaluated the 90-year-old man at the scene. WLS reported that he was released after being checked by paramedics. His wife, however, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been publicly detailed.
The Arlington Heights Fire Department later issued a statement praising the neighbour’s actions, emphasising the critical early moments of a fire, especially when someone is trapped inside.
“We want to recognize and commend the quick thinking and decisive action taken by one of our Arlington Heights residents that helped save a life,” fire officials said.
“This situation serves as an important reminder that every second matters,” they added. “The willingness of a community member to step in and help before first responders arrive can make all the difference.”
Officials also highlighted the sense of community shown during the emergency, noting that the neighbour’s courage may have prevented a tragic outcome.
“We are proud to serve a community that looks out for one another and we thank this resident for their actions and composure when it mattered most.”
Fire officials have not released details on what caused the blaze or the extent of the damage to the home. An investigation into the fire is expected, as is typical following residential incidents of this nature.
Still, the department’s message was clear: while first responders are trained to handle emergencies, a quick, brave decision by an ordinary person can sometimes be the difference between life and death.
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