PHILADELPHIA -- A firefighter is recovering after he rushed into a burning home in the Frankford section of Philadelphia in order to rescue a father and his young son.
The fire on the 4700 block of Worth Street started on the kitchen stove after something that was cooking caught fire officials said. The flames spread quickly throughout the home, trapping a 3-year-old boy and his 43-year-old father inside.
Philadelphia fireman James Babst, 41, was on his way to work around 4:45 p.m. Sunday when he passed the burning home. He stopped his truck and joined neighbors, who were breaking windows of the home.
When he learned there were people inside the residence, neighbors said Babst quickly jumped into action.
"The fireman pulled up and went right in with no gear, no nothing," one eyewitness said.
Before Babst went in there he told neighbors to call 911 and tell them he was inside the house. That call saved three lives.
"When they found out he was inside they went immediately into service, into the fire fight, and into the search." Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said.
Arriving firefighters found Babst along with the father and son unconscious inside the burning home.
"They was burned and the baby was looking to the sky like he was scared," Rivera said.
Officials said the child and his father were taken to an area hospital to be treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Babst, along with a second man who attempted to enter the house, are being treated for smoke inhalation at Frankford Hospital.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers was not surprised that Babst put his life on the line.
"He's been overseas to Iraq for us. He's served for us. He's back and I think about it. That's what our men and women are made of," Ayers said.
The boy's devastated mother arrived home to learn about her husband and child and what her kind and helpful neighbors and one brave firefighter did to save her family.
Commissioner Ayers said the incident was a good reminder for people to check their smoke detectors and to make sure they are working and also to plan emergency fire escape routes.
Republished with permission of KYW-TV.
