New Hampshire Boy Saves Family

March 20, 2006
He heard the smoke detector sounding, woke his mother and called 911.

A young boy's quick thinking and good hearing helped saved his family from a house fire Thursday.

Ryan Nicholson, 11, said that when he heard the beeping sound of the fire alarm and saw flames outside his door, he knew just what to do.

Nicholson woke up his mother and dialed 911.

The family said there was no way out of the family's Purchase Street home. Ryan, his younger sister Kayla, and his mother huddled in the bathroom while waiting for crews.

Firefighters broke into the bathroom and got the family out, but one of the family's dogs died from smoke inhalation.

Sean Nicholson, Ryan's father, wasn't at the house at the time of the blaze. He said he is proud of his son.

A family friend found a new home for the Nicholsons. The family said they will be moving in on Sunday.

According to fire officials, the Nicholsons' old home sustained more than $100,00 in damage.

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