EAST GREENBUSH -- A 17-year-old boy shepherded three younger siblings to safety Monday afternoon as a fast-moving fire roared up from the basement of their home.
It took firefighters only about five minutes to bring the 4:15 p.m. blaze at 79 Robin Lane under control. But if it weren't for the quick action of Edward Preston, police and fire officials said, it could have been much worse.
Preston quickly ushered his two brothers and a sister -- ages 14, 12 and 9, respectively -- out of the house after smelling smoke, said Clinton Heights Fire Chief Bob Mehalich.
Preston became trapped, however, and was forced to dive to safety through a 2-foot-by-2-foot first-floor window, according to East Greenbush police Officer Edward Witko.
Witko said Preston was being overcome by smoke when he tumbled about three feet through the glass window and onto the lawn. No one was seriously injured, but Preston was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital for treatment of lacerations.
"I consider the 17-year-old a hero here," said Witko, who was one of the first to arrive on the scene.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but officials said it appears the fire started in the basement.
