The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Caught on Tape: Tampa Firefighter Rescues Baby from Apartment Fire
CHAD COOKLER
ABC ActionNews
Reprinted with Permission
TAMPA - A firefighter rescued a baby after a massive fire broke out at a West Tampa apartment complex.
Crews responded to the 2-alarm blaze on North Boulevard just after 4 p.m.
Just minutes after this blaze broke out Tampa firefighter Eric Stokes was told that a baby was trapped inside apt 1512,he went into the burning apartment with thick smoke,did a blind search and found the baby that was crying.
"All of a sudden she ran into me, she grabbed my legs," Stokes said, "I picked her up and got out of there as soon as possible."
Stokes grabbed the 1-year-old girl and took her out of the 2nd story apartment, and passed her out to fellow firefighter Jason Kissick. He took little Makayla Bryant in his arms and into a waiting ambulance.
The roof was gone, fire and thick black smoke filled the apartment she's been.
"The fact she was conscious, we just could not believe that." Stokes explained.
1-year old girl Makayla Bryant was rushed into an ambulance and then taken to Tampa General Hospital where she is in critical condition.
The baby's mother was obviously distraught and emotional as she waited to see how her little one was. Makayla's aunt was babysitting her when the fire engulfed the building. She told investigators she couldn't get to her niece. She said she wasn't surprised her niece was able to find the firefighter.
"If she is scared she is so smart, " said Delores Newsome, "I am telling you she knew she had to get out."
The fire ripped through the entire building, destroying 10 apartments. 9 families, a total of 28 people, lost everything.
But thankfully no one perished in Saturday's fire. Another hero was 12-year-old Alexis Johnson, who got her 7-year-old and 1-year-old brothers out of their home.
"I am so glad I saved my two brothers,' Johnson said, "I love them so much, I am glad we are all safe."
Residents were grateful for the actions of firefighters like Stokes, who saved little Makayla. He said this is exactly what firefighters live for.
"If you're a firefighter, that is what you want to do," he explained, "I am glad I could do it, to save a life, but a child is a little more special."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
ABC ActionNews
Reprinted with Permission
TAMPA - A firefighter rescued a baby after a massive fire broke out at a West Tampa apartment complex.
Crews responded to the 2-alarm blaze on North Boulevard just after 4 p.m.
Just minutes after this blaze broke out Tampa firefighter Eric Stokes was told that a baby was trapped inside apt 1512,he went into the burning apartment with thick smoke,did a blind search and found the baby that was crying.
"All of a sudden she ran into me, she grabbed my legs," Stokes said, "I picked her up and got out of there as soon as possible."
Stokes grabbed the 1-year-old girl and took her out of the 2nd story apartment, and passed her out to fellow firefighter Jason Kissick. He took little Makayla Bryant in his arms and into a waiting ambulance.
The roof was gone, fire and thick black smoke filled the apartment she's been.
"The fact she was conscious, we just could not believe that." Stokes explained.
1-year old girl Makayla Bryant was rushed into an ambulance and then taken to Tampa General Hospital where she is in critical condition.
The baby's mother was obviously distraught and emotional as she waited to see how her little one was. Makayla's aunt was babysitting her when the fire engulfed the building. She told investigators she couldn't get to her niece. She said she wasn't surprised her niece was able to find the firefighter.
"If she is scared she is so smart, " said Delores Newsome, "I am telling you she knew she had to get out."
The fire ripped through the entire building, destroying 10 apartments. 9 families, a total of 28 people, lost everything.
But thankfully no one perished in Saturday's fire. Another hero was 12-year-old Alexis Johnson, who got her 7-year-old and 1-year-old brothers out of their home.
"I am so glad I saved my two brothers,' Johnson said, "I love them so much, I am glad we are all safe."
Residents were grateful for the actions of firefighters like Stokes, who saved little Makayla. He said this is exactly what firefighters live for.
"If you're a firefighter, that is what you want to do," he explained, "I am glad I could do it, to save a life, but a child is a little more special."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Brian Mackie on
-
Awesome story! Fantastic!
-
Permalink Reply by Holly on
-
Job well done to brother Stokes. Prayers for little Makayla and for all the familes involved.Also, a very special job well done to Alexsis.
-
Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
-
Nice job on the grab!
What a contrast of stories....double LODD in Bridgeport and this rescue....sounds like both fires were about approximately the same time.
-
Permalink Reply by Rusty Mancini on
-
My hats off to the Tampa FD. Nice grab!
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
