Springfield student alerts 12 people to safety during house fire

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A Springfield student is being praised for helping get people to safety during a fire Tuesday afternoon.

Springfield Fire Capt. Drew Piemonte said that emergency crews were called to a reported fire at 41-43 Longview Street around 1:40 p.m. When they arrived, firefighters found fire in the back of the home, which was extinguished.

Fire officials noted that Israel, who lives on the second floor of the home and is a student at Gerena Middle School, was able to alert the other 12 people inside to get out and call 911 once seeing the fire. “Israel’s prompt action was commendable and prevented injury and loss of life,” Piemonte added.

No injuries were reported and the city’s Arson and Bomb Squad determined that the fire was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.